Morocco has made history with the appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, following the emergence of her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) as the largest party in last week’s parliamentary election.
King Mohammed VI appointed the 50-year-old politician on Tuesday, September 29, and tasked her with forming a new government.
El Mansouri’s appointment marks a historic milestone for Morocco and makes her the second woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.
PAM secured 97 of the 395 seats in Morocco’s House of Representatives, falling short of the 198 seats required for an outright majority.
The new prime minister will therefore have to negotiate with other political parties to form a governing coalition before presenting her proposed cabinet to the king for approval.
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A lawyer by training, El Mansouri has held several prominent political positions during her career.
She became the first woman to serve as mayor of Marrakech in 2009 and returned to the position in 2021.
She later served as Morocco’s minister responsible for national spatial planning, urban development, housing and city policy, further strengthening her profile in national politics.
Her administration is expected to face significant challenges, including unemployment, rising living costs and growing concerns among young Moroccans.
The new government will also oversee preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain.
Reacting to her appointment, El Mansouri described the development as a “truly historic” moment and said consultations on the formation of the new government would begin immediately.
