On September 29, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first female head of government. The appointment was made at the Royal Palace in Rabat, and El Mansouri was tasked with forming a new government following the legislative elections held on September 23, 2026. The elections saw the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) emerge as the largest party, securing 97 seats in the 395-member House of Representatives.
El Mansouri's appointment marks a significant milestone in Morocco's history, as she becomes the first woman to lead the government. Her nomination is seen as a reflection of the country's progress in promoting women's representation in public and political life. The 2011 Constitution enshrines the principle of equality between men and women, and El Mansouri's appointment is expected to further consolidate this progress.
Born in Marrakech in 1976, El Mansouri is an advocate by training and has practiced law in Marrakech, specializing in civil and commercial law. She has also been involved in various associations and has gradually risen through the ranks of the PAM. Her appointment as head of government is seen as a recognition of her skills and experience.
The PAM's victory in the legislative elections was followed by negotiations to form a government. El Mansouri will now be responsible for forming her team and defining the priorities of the next government. The country's previous government had been led by men, and El Mansouri's appointment is expected to bring a new perspective to the role.
El Mansouri's background includes studying at the University Mohammed-V in Rabat and later pursuing further education abroad. Her experience in law and politics has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of Moroccan politics. As head of government, she will be responsible for leading the country's executive branch and implementing its policies.
The appointment of El Mansouri has been seen as a positive step towards greater gender equality in Morocco. The country has made significant progress in recent years in promoting women's rights and representation, and El Mansouri's appointment is expected to further consolidate this progress. Her leadership is expected to inspire more women to participate in politics and take on leadership roles.
As El Mansouri begins her tenure as head of government, she faces significant challenges, including forming a cohesive government team and addressing the country's economic and social issues. However, her appointment has been widely welcomed, and she is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the role. With her experience and skills, El Mansouri is well-positioned to lead Morocco's government and drive progress in the country.
Key points
- Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri becomes Morocco's first female head of government.
- El Mansouri's appointment reflects Morocco's progress in promoting women's representation in public and political life.
- El Mansouri faces significant challenges in forming a government team and addressing the country's economic and social issues.
