The Democratic and Social Movement (MDS) has joined the Constitutional Union (UC) in pledging support to the incoming government of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, with both parties insisting they will retain their independence in political decision-making.
The MDS announced its decision on Monday, October 12, following a meeting of its political bureau chaired by Abdessamad Archane. The UC had declared its position three days earlier, after a meeting of its political bureau in Rabat attended by its members of parliament.
Their decisions came as El Mansouri formally announced the four-party coalition that will form the next government, bringing two rounds of negotiations to a close.
The governing alliance comprises the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), Istiqlal, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) and the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS). Together, they hold 207 seats in the 395-member House of Representatives, nine above the threshold needed for a majority.
Neither the MDS nor the UC is among the four parties named in the coalition agreement.
In its statement, the MDS said it had examined the outcome of consultations between its secretary-general and the designated Head of Government, along with arrangements for parliamentary cooperation with the UC.
The two parties have agreed to form a joint parliamentary group.
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The MDS said it was prepared to cooperate with government measures serving the public interest and meeting citizens’ expectations, but stressed that its support would not prevent it from scrutinizing government policies.
It said it would retain its political positions and principles, as well as its oversight responsibilities.
The party identified measures to improve purchasing power, create jobs, reduce social and regional inequalities and strengthen accountability among those it was prepared to support.
The UC, for its part, described its position as one of “critical support” for the next government.
In a statement issued after its October 9 meeting, the party cited similarities between its electoral program and that of the PAM as the basis for its decision.
It said its support would not compromise its independence in political decision-making.
The MDS political bureau also welcomed the King’s speech at the opening of the parliamentary session, citing its emphasis on effective institutions, faster development and meeting public expectations.
It described the appointment of a woman as Head of Government as a significant development for women’s participation in political life and the management of public affairs.
