Morocco Appoints Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as First Female Prime Minister, Begins Coalition Talks
Morocco Appoints Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as First Female Prime Minister, Begins Coalition Talks
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Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government following parliamentary elections. The appointment marks a historic milestone in Morocco’s political history.
El Mansouri, 50, is a senior figure in the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which won the largest share of seats in the recent elections with 97 seats in the 395-member House of Representatives. However, the party fell short of a majority, requiring negotiations with other political groups to form a coalition government.
The newly appointed prime minister previously served as mayor of Marrakech and as minister responsible for housing and urban planning. She has now begun consultations with political parties to build a coalition and prepare the next cabinet.
El Mansouri’s government will face several challenges, including economic reforms, employment issues, social development priorities, and preparations for major national projects, including Morocco’s role in hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Her appointment makes her the first woman to lead Morocco’s government and the second woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.
