In a historic move, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's new Prime Minister, marking the first time a woman has held the position since Morocco gained independence. El Mansouri's appointment comes after parliamentary elections were held on September 23, in which her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), won 97 seats out of 395 in the House of Representatives.
El Mansouri, 50, is a lawyer from a prominent family in Marrakesh and has been active in Moroccan politics since 2009. She gained widespread recognition after becoming the first woman to serve as Mayor of Marrakesh, a position she held again in 2021. Prior to her appointment as Prime Minister, El Mansouri served as Minister of Housing and Urban Planning in the government led by outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
The PAM party, led by El Mansouri, did not secure a majority in the House of Representatives, winning 97 seats, while the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party, led by Akhannouch, secured 66 seats. Other parties, including Istiqlal and the Islamist Justice and Development Party, won 65 and 54 seats, respectively. Voter turnout was reported to be 38%, a decrease from the 50% recorded in the 2021 elections.
According to the Moroccan Constitution, the King appoints the Prime Minister from the party that wins the most seats in the parliamentary elections. However, since PAM did not achieve a direct majority, El Mansouri will need to form a coalition with other parties to establish a government. She will then present a list of ministers to the King for approval.
El Mansouri's appointment as Prime Minister marks a significant milestone in Moroccan politics, demonstrating the country's progress in promoting women's participation in leadership roles. Her party, PAM, has been part of a coalition government with RNI and Istiqlal since 2021, although tensions between PAM and RNI were reported in the lead-up to the elections.
Outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has led Morocco's government since October 2021 and has been a prominent figure in the country's politics and business landscape. He is also the head of the Akwa Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including oil distribution, gas, media, and real estate. Akhannouch will continue to oversee the government as a transitional leader until a new cabinet is formed.
The new government, led by El Mansouri, is expected to address several key challenges, including youth unemployment, the cost of living, and preparations for Morocco's bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. As the country's first female Prime Minister, El Mansouri will be closely watched as she navigates these complex issues and works to build a more inclusive and effective government.
Key points
- Morocco appoints its first female Prime Minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.
- El Mansouri's party, PAM, won 97 seats in the House of Representatives but did not secure a majority.
- The new government will face challenges such as youth unemployment, the cost of living, and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
