Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, following the victory of her centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) in last week’s parliamentary elections.
The historic appointment also makes the 50-year-old El Mansouri only the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. She has now been tasked with forming Morocco’s next government.
PAM emerged as the largest party in parliament after winning 97 of the 395 seats in the September 23 election, although it fell short of an outright majority and will need partners to govern.
El Mansouri is one of Morocco’s most prominent female political figures. A lawyer by training, she has served as Minister of National Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and Urban Policy and as mayor of Marrakesh, a position she first attained in 2009.
Following PAM’s election victory, El Mansouri had said it would be a “great honour” if King Mohammed VI entrusted her with leading the government. She also described the monarch as a strong advocate for women.
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, with the king retaining extensive political authority. Under the country’s 2011 Constitution, the king appoints the head of government from the political party that wins the most seats in parliamentary elections.
El Mansouri’s new government will face major economic and social challenges while overseeing Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for women’s political representation in Morocco and the wider Arab world.