By Asaye Bankole
Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, marking a historic development in the North African nation’s political history.
King Mohammed VI appointed the 50-year-old lawyer on Tuesday, September 29, and tasked her with forming a new government following the September 23 parliamentary elections.
El Mansouri’s appointment followed the victory of her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which emerged as the largest party in the 395-member House of Representatives with 97 seats.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI) won 66 seats, while the Istiqlal Party secured 65.
Under Morocco’s Constitution, the King appoints the head of government from the political party that wins the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives.
El Mansouri becomes the first woman to head Morocco’s government and one of only a small number of women to have served as a prime minister in the Arab world.
Her appointment was described by her as a historic moment and a source of pride for Moroccan women.
A lawyer by training, El Mansouri has held several prominent political positions. She previously served as Mayor of Marrakesh and as Morocco’s minister responsible for national territory planning, urban planning, housing and city policy.
She first became mayor of Marrakesh in 2009, making her the first woman to hold the position, and returned to the office following the 2021 elections.
Her immediate challenge will be to form a governing coalition because PAM’s 97 seats are far below the 198 seats required for an outright parliamentary majority.
Coalition negotiations are therefore expected to play a major role in the formation of her government.
The new administration will also be responsible for overseeing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Other major issues facing the government include employment, economic growth, living costs and broader social concerns.
El Mansouri’s appointment represents a significant milestone in Morocco’s political history as the country prepares for a new government under its first female head of government.
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