Morocco has made history by appointing Fatima Zahra Mansouri as its first woman Prime Minister. King Mohammed VI appointed Mansouri, a 50-year-old politician from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), on September 29. She was tasked with forming a new government after her party's victory in the September 23 legislative elections. Mansouri's appointment marks a significant milestone in Morocco's politics.
Mansouri's party, PAM, secured 97 seats in Morocco's House of Representatives, making it the largest party but not enough to govern alone. A parliamentary majority requires 198 seats, so Mansouri will need to form alliances with other parties to secure enough support for her government. According to the Moroccan Constitution, the King selects the Head of Government from the party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives.
Mansouri brings extensive experience to her new role. She has served as Minister of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy and has been a member of parliament. Her political career also includes a landmark role in local government, having become the first woman to serve as mayor of Marrakech in 2009. She regained the position after the 2021 local elections and took over the collective leadership of PAM in 2024.
Mansouri's appointment makes Morocco one of the few North African countries with a woman leading its government. Tunisia was the first in the region to appoint a woman prime minister when Najla Bouden took office in 2021. Mansouri's immediate challenge will be to form a government capable of winning parliamentary backing. The new administration will address Morocco's domestic priorities and oversee major infrastructure and investment projects.
The government will also operate as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Mansouri's experience in politics and governance will be crucial in navigating these challenges. Her appointment has been seen as a significant step towards gender equality in Moroccan politics.
Mansouri's role in PAM has been instrumental in the party's success. As the collective leadership coordinator, she played a key role in the party's victory in the legislative elections. Her appointment as Prime Minister is a testament to her leadership skills and experience in politics.
The Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery announced Mansouri's appointment in a statement, saying the King had appointed her as Head of Government in accordance with Article 47 of the Constitution. Mansouri will now work to form a government that can address Morocco's priorities and deliver on its commitments.
Key points
- Fatima Zahra Mansouri is Morocco's first woman Prime Minister.
- Mansouri's party, PAM, secured 97 seats in the House of Representatives but needs to form alliances to govern.
- Mansouri brings years of experience in politics and governance to her new role.
