On Tuesday, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as the head of government, tasking her with forming a new government. This appointment marks a historic first for a woman in this position in Morocco. El Mansouri, who is the collective leadership coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, was appointed during a reception at the Royal Palace in Rabat.
El Mansouri's appointment comes a week after the Authenticity and Modernity Party topped the legislative election results. The new government will tackle several pressing political, economic, and social issues, including projects related to Morocco's bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. El Mansouri previously served as Minister of National Territory Preparation, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy from 2021 to 2026.
El Mansouri holds a degree in Anglo-Saxon law from the University of Paris, as well as a diploma in business contract law from the University of Montpellier and a license in private law from the University of Mohammed V in Rabat. She began her political career by joining the "Movement for All Democrats" in 2007 and later became a founding member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party in 2008.
El Mansouri has held several notable positions, including president of the Marrakech City Council from 2009 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2027. She was also elected as a deputy from 2011 to 2016. In 2014, Forbes magazine listed her among the 20 most influential young women in Africa.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party, along with two other parties, formed the outgoing government coalition, which won the legislative elections held last Wednesday. The elections saw a turnout of 38%, the lowest in nearly two decades. The final results showed the Authenticity and Modernity Party winning 97 seats, followed by the National Rally of Independents with 66 seats and the Independence Party with 65 seats.
As head of government, El Mansouri will lead a coalition of parties that will need to address Morocco's economic and social challenges. Her appointment is seen as a significant step towards increasing women's representation in Moroccan politics. El Mansouri is also a member of the International Association of Francophone Mayors.
El Mansouri's background in law and politics makes her well-suited for her new role. She has been recognized for her leadership and was chosen as one of the world's young leaders in 2014. Her appointment as head of government is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Moroccan politics.
Key points
- Fatima Zahra El Mansouri is the first woman to be appointed as head of government in Morocco.
- El Mansouri's appointment comes after her party topped the legislative election results.
- The new government will focus on addressing Morocco's economic and social challenges, including the bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
