On September 29, 2026, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was appointed as Morocco's first female prime minister by King Mohammed VI at the Royal Palace in Rabat. This historic appointment came six days after the legislative elections, in which the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 seats, making it the leading party in the Chamber of Representatives. El Mansouri, 50, has had a long and distinguished career in politics, law, and public service.
El Mansouri's appointment marks a significant milestone in Moroccan politics, as she becomes the first woman to lead the government. Her background includes serving as a lawyer, mayor of Marrakech, deputy, and former minister of housing. She has also held key positions within the PAM, including coordinator of the party's collegial leadership. Her experience and credentials make her well-suited to navigate the complexities of Moroccan politics.
El Mansouri's path to the prime ministership began in Marrakech, where she was born on January 3, 1976. She studied law at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat and later earned a DEA in business contract law from the University of Montpellier and a certificate in Anglo-Saxon law from Pace University in the United States. She became a lawyer specializing in land and real estate law and was admitted to the Marrakech bar in 2005.
El Mansouri entered politics in 2007, joining the Movement of All Democrats, and later became one of the founding members of the Authenticity and Modernity Party. Her early involvement in politics allowed her to build a strong foundation within the PAM and contribute to its growth. In 2009, at just 33 years old, she was elected head of the Marrakech communal council, becoming the first woman to lead the city.
As mayor of Marrakech, El Mansouri gained valuable experience in local governance, managing municipal finances, and addressing the daily needs of citizens. Her tenure in Marrakech served as a laboratory for her future roles in politics. She also served as a deputy in the Chamber of Representatives from 2011 to 2016 and was re-elected for the period 2016-2021.
El Mansouri's leadership within the PAM has been marked by her strategic positions within the party. She served as president of the PAM's National Council from 2015 to 2024 and became the coordinator of the party's collegial leadership in February 2024. Her influence within the party has been built through her various roles and responsibilities.
As El Mansouri begins her tenure as prime minister, she faces significant challenges, including building a parliamentary majority and addressing the country's economic and social expectations. With the PAM holding only 97 seats, she will need to form a coalition with other parties to achieve a majority. Her ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial in determining the success of her government.
Key points
- Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is Morocco's first female prime minister.
- El Mansouri's appointment marks a significant milestone in Moroccan politics.
- She faces challenges in building a parliamentary majority and addressing economic and social expectations.
