In a historic move, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first female head of government. The appointment was made on September 29, 2026, at the Royal Palace in Rabat. El Mansouri, who is the coordinator of the collective leadership of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), was tasked by the King to form a new government. This move marks a significant milestone in Morocco's political history.
El Mansouri's appointment comes after the legislative elections held on September 23, 2026, which saw the PAM win the most seats. The new head of government has expressed her honor and gratitude to the King for this appointment, highlighting its historical significance, particularly for Moroccan women. She has vowed to work towards forming a government team that meets the expectations of the King and the citizens of Morocco.
Born on January 3, 1976, in Marrakech, El Mansouri has a strong background in law and politics. She holds a degree in private law from the University Mohammed V in Rabat, a DEA in business contract law from the University of Montpellier in France, and a certificate in Anglo-Saxon law from Pace University in the United States. She has been a member of the Marrakech Bar since March 22, 2005.
El Mansouri's political career began in 2007 when she joined the Movement of All Democrats. She was one of the founding members of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, established in 2008. Between 2009 and 2015, she served as the president of the Marrakech communal council. She was also a member of parliament from 2011 to 2016 and was re-elected for the period 2016-2021.
In 2021, El Mansouri was appointed as the Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, a position she held until her appointment as head of government. Since 2024, she has been the coordinator of the collective leadership of the PAM. Her political and professional career has earned her several international distinctions and recognitions.
El Mansouri's appointment as head of government has been recognized globally, with Forbes magazine ranking her among the most influential young women in Africa in 2014. She was also designated as a Young Global Leader in 2014. At 50 years old, El Mansouri begins a new chapter in her political career, with the responsibility of forming a government that meets the expectations of Moroccan citizens and aligns with the King's orientations.
El Mansouri is expected to engage in consultations with various political formations in the coming days to constitute the new government. Her task will be to form a government team that can address the country's challenges and meet the expectations of its citizens. With her extensive experience in politics and law, El Mansouri is well-positioned to lead Morocco's government and make a meaningful impact on the country's future.
Key points
- Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is Morocco's first female head of government.
- El Mansouri's appointment follows the legislative elections held on September 23, 2026.
- El Mansouri has a strong background in law and politics, with a degree in private law and experience as a member of parliament and minister.
