Rabat, Morocco (Running Africa) — Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has become Morocco’s first woman prime minister after King Mohammed VI appointed her to form a new government following the September 23 parliamentary election.
El Mansouri, 50, was appointed on Tuesday after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in the House of Representatives, winning 97 of the chamber’s 395 seats.
The lawyer and former mayor of Marrakech previously served as minister responsible for national planning, urban development and housing.
PAM Faces Coalition Talks After Winning 97 Seats
Despite finishing first, PAM fell well short of the 198 seats required for an outright parliamentary majority, meaning El Mansouri must build a coalition with other political parties.
She has already begun consultations with party leaders over the formation of the next government.
Once negotiations are completed, El Mansouri will submit her proposed government to King Mohammed VI.
Morocco Appoints First Woman Prime Minister
El Mansouri’s appointment makes her the first woman to lead Morocco’s government and the third woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world.
Tunisia’s Najla Bouden became the first in 2021, while Sara Zaafarani has served as Tunisia’s prime minister since 2025.
El Mansouri previously made political history in Marrakech, where she became the city’s first woman mayor in 2009. She later returned to lead the municipal council and joined the national government in 2021.
New Government to Oversee Morocco’s 2030 World Cup Preparations
The incoming government will take office as Morocco continues preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, while facing domestic economic concerns including unemployment and demands for improved public services.
Under Morocco’s constitutional system, the king appoints the head of government from the political party that wins the most seats in elections to the House of Representatives.
El Mansouri’s immediate task is now to secure enough parliamentary support to establish a governing coalition and form Morocco’s next cabinet.
