On September 29, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first female head of government. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone in El Mansouri's nearly two-decade-long political career. Born on January 3, 1976, in Marrakech, El Mansouri has held various leadership positions, including mayor of Marrakech and deputy. Her appointment as head of government follows the September 23 legislative elections, which saw the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerge victorious.

El Mansouri's background is in law, having studied at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat and the University of Montpellier. She specializes in land and real estate law and was admitted to the Marrakech bar in 2005. Her entry into politics began in 2007 when she joined the Movement of All Democrats, and two years later, she co-founded the PAM. Her rise in politics was swift, becoming the president of Marrakech's communal council in 2009, a position she held until 2015.

In addition to her role in Marrakech, El Mansouri has also served as a representative in the Chamber of Representatives. In 2021, she returned to the presidency of Marrakech's communal council and was appointed minister of Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy. Her influence within the PAM has grown over the years, and by 2024, she had become the coordinator of the party's collegial leadership.

El Mansouri's appointment as head of government is a culmination of her progress in politics. However, it also presents a new challenge: forming a government and securing a majority to support her actions. According to the Constitution, specifically Article 47, El Mansouri has been tasked with forming a new executive.

El Mansouri's career has been marked by several key positions. Some of her notable roles include her presidency of the PAM's national council and her role as coordinator of the party's collegial leadership. Her experience in government began in 2021 when she was appointed minister.

The Authenticity and Modernity Party's victory in the legislative elections paved the way for El Mansouri's appointment. The PAM's success can be attributed, in part, to El Mansouri's leadership and influence within the party. Her appointment as head of government is seen as a significant step forward for women's representation in Moroccan politics.

El Mansouri's future plans and policies have not been publicly disclosed. However, her appointment is expected to have a significant impact on Moroccan politics and society. Key points to watch include her ability to form a government, her policy priorities, and her relationship with other political parties.

Key points

  • Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was appointed as Morocco's first female head of government on September 29, 2026.
  • El Mansouri has held various leadership positions, including mayor of Marrakech and deputy.
  • Her appointment follows the September 23 legislative elections, which saw the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerge victorious.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.