Morocco's King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as the country's first female prime minister. The appointment was made on September 29, 2026, at the Royal Palace in Rabat. El Mansouri, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, was tasked with forming a new government. This move marks a significant milestone in Morocco's history, as El Mansouri becomes the first woman to hold the position of prime minister.
El Mansouri has had an extensive career in politics and law. Born on January 3, 1976, in Marrakech, she studied law at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat and later pursued further studies in American and French law. She began her career as a lawyer in 2005, specializing in real estate law. Her entry into politics came in 2007 when she joined the movement for all democrats, and in 2008, she was one of the founding members of the Authenticity and Modernity Party.
El Mansouri's political career has been marked by several notable positions. She served as the president of the Marrakech city council from 2009 to 2015 and again in 2021. She was also elected as a member of parliament from 2011 to 2016 and again from 2016 to 2021. Within her party, she held the position of president of the national council before becoming the coordinator of the collective leadership in 2024.
El Mansouri's experience in government began in 2021 when she was appointed as the minister of national land planning, urban planning, housing, and city policy. In this role, she was tasked with several key projects, including the launch of a direct housing support model. By November 2025, she reported that 75,760 individuals had benefited from this program. She also oversaw the reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the Al-Haouz earthquake.
As prime minister, El Mansouri has pledged to work towards forming a government that meets the expectations of King Mohammed VI and all Moroccan citizens. She emphasized her commitment to addressing the country's challenges and improving the lives of its citizens. The appointment of El Mansouri is seen as a significant step towards greater representation of women in Moroccan politics.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party has been a key player in Moroccan politics, and El Mansouri's appointment as prime minister is expected to have a positive impact on the country's governance. Her experience in various roles, including her work as a lawyer, politician, and government minister, has prepared her for the challenges of leading the government.
El Mansouri's appointment has been welcomed by many as a positive development for Morocco. Her leadership is expected to bring a new perspective to the country's politics and governance. As she begins her tenure as prime minister, El Mansouri faces the task of forming a new government and addressing the country's pressing challenges.
Key points
- Fatima Zahra El Mansouri becomes Morocco's first female prime minister.
- El Mansouri has extensive experience in law, politics, and government.
- She has pledged to work towards forming a government that meets the expectations of King Mohammed VI and all Moroccan citizens.