Morocco has made history with the appointment of Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as its first female prime minister. El Mansouri, 50, was chosen by King Mohammed VI after her centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party (Pam) won the most seats in recent parliamentary elections. As prime minister, El Mansouri becomes only the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world, following Tunisia's Najla Bouden.
El Mansouri has a strong background in politics and law. A lawyer by training, she studied at Mohammed V University in Rabat before continuing her education in France and the US, specialising in business and corporate law. She entered politics in 2008 after Pam was founded and became the first woman to serve as mayor of Marrakesh in 2009. She has also served as a minister in the previous coalition government.
As mayor of Marrakesh, El Mansouri has gained significant experience in governance. She was re-elected to the post in 2021 and has also served as a minister for national territory planning, urban planning, housing and city policy under former Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. In February 2024, she became the co-ordinator of Pam's leadership coalition, further solidifying her position within the party.
El Mansouri's appointment was not a straightforward process. Although Pam won 97 seats, it does not have a majority and will need to form a coalition to reach the 198 seats required for an absolute majority in the 395-member parliament. The party has fallen out with some of its former allies, making it unclear which party it will work with. El Mansouri will need to navigate these complex relationships to achieve her goals.
During her political career, El Mansouri has rarely spoken publicly about women's rights or gender inequality. Despite ongoing debates in Morocco over issues such as polygamy and equal inheritance rights, El Mansouri has maintained a relatively low profile on these topics. Her appointment as prime minister has sparked hopes that she will address these issues and promote greater equality for women in Morocco.
El Mansouri has rejected the label of "iron woman," describing herself as a "free activist." Her response to questions about her role in Muslim religious ceremonies attended by the king, where men and women pray separately, was to praise the king as a strong advocate for women. She emphasized the king's wisdom and her honour in serving as head of government.
The appointment of El Mansouri as prime minister marks a significant milestone for Morocco. As a constitutional monarchy, the country still has a long way to go in terms of democratization and promoting women's rights. However, El Mansouri's appointment offers hope that progress can be made, and her experience and skills will be crucial in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- Fatima Zahra El Mansouri is Morocco's first female prime minister.
- El Mansouri's appointment follows her party's win in parliamentary elections.
- She faces challenges in forming a coalition to achieve a majority in parliament.
