On September 29, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, the national coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), as the country's new prime minister. El Mansouri was tasked with forming a new government following her party's lead in the legislative elections held on September 23, 2026. According to a statement from the Royal Palace, the king received El Mansouri at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where he officially appointed her as prime minister.

El Mansouri's appointment marks a historic milestone in Moroccan politics, as she becomes the country's first female prime minister. Her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, secured 97 seats out of 395 in the recent legislative elections, making it the largest party in the parliament. The PAM outperformed other major parties, including the National Rally of Independents, which secured 66 seats, and the Independence Party, which secured 65 seats.

Following her party's success in the elections, El Mansouri expressed her readiness to take on the role of prime minister if chosen by the king. She emphasized that the appointment would need to follow the country's constitutional and institutional procedures. As the newly appointed prime minister, El Mansouri is expected to engage in consultations with various political parties to form a new government and shape its structure.

El Mansouri has had an extensive career in politics, having held various government, parliamentary, and party positions. Her appointment as prime minister is seen as a significant step towards greater representation of women in Moroccan politics. The Authenticity and Modernity Party has been a major player in Moroccan politics in recent years, and El Mansouri's leadership is expected to shape the country's future.

The legislative elections held on September 23, 2026, saw a total of 395 seats up for grabs. The Authenticity and Modernity Party's victory marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. El Mansouri's task of forming a new government will require her to navigate complex negotiations with other parties to secure a majority.

As the first female prime minister in Morocco, El Mansouri's appointment is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's politics. Her experience and leadership skills are seen as assets in navigating the complexities of Moroccan politics. The king's decision to appoint her as prime minister reflects the country's efforts to promote greater inclusivity and representation in its government.

El Mansouri will now begin consultations with various stakeholders to form a new government that reflects the will of the Moroccan people. Her task will be to build a cohesive team that can address the country's challenges and promote its development. The success of her tenure will depend on her ability to navigate the complexities of Moroccan politics and deliver on her promises.

Key points

  • Fatima Zahra El Mansouri becomes Morocco's first female prime minister.
  • El Mansouri's party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, secured 97 seats in the legislative elections.
  • El Mansouri will engage in consultations with various parties to form a new government.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.