RABAT, Morocco — King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister.
The Royal Palace announced the appointment on Tuesday, September 29, following the September 23 parliamentary election. El Mansouri met the king at the Royal Palace and received a mandate to form a new government.
El Mansouri to Form New Government
El Mansouri has served as mayor of Marrakesh and as Morocco’s minister for national territorial planning, urban planning, housing and city policy.
Meanwhile, her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won the largest number of seats in the recent parliamentary election. The party secured 97 seats in the 395-member House of Representatives.
However, PAM did not win an outright majority. As a result, the new prime minister will need to negotiate with other parties and build a governing coalition.
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Morocco’s Constitution requires the king to appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most seats in parliamentary elections.
First Woman to Lead Morocco’s Government
The appointment marks a first in Morocco’s political history. El Mansouri also becomes the second woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world, after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden took office in 2021.
In addition, El Mansouri has held several senior political positions. She first became mayor of Marrakesh in 2009 and later returned to the post after the 2021 elections.
She also entered parliament before joining the national government as minister in 2021. In 2024, PAM selected her as one of three leaders responsible for coordinating the party.
Economic and World Cup Priorities
The incoming government will face several economic challenges. These include inflation, wages, employment and public services.
At the same time, Morocco is preparing major investment projects linked to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Morocco will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal.
Therefore, the new government will have to balance domestic economic priorities with preparations for the major international sporting event.
El Mansouri must first complete coalition talks before forming the new government. PAM has indicated that it is open to discussions with other political parties.
