King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Fatima Zahra Mansouri as the country's first female prime minister. The 50-year-old Mansouri, who is the coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) collective leadership, was tasked with forming a cabinet. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Morocco's history, as Mansouri becomes the first woman to hold the prime-ministerial post.
Mansouri's appointment follows her party's performance in the September 23 legislative vote, where PAM secured 97 seats out of 395 in the House of Representatives. Although PAM emerged as the largest parliamentary group, its 97 seats fall short of the 198 needed for an outright majority. As a result, Mansouri must negotiate support from other parties to form a coalition government.
According to Article 47 of the Moroccan constitution, the king is required to select the head of government from the party that wins the most seats. This rule guided King Mohammed VI's decision to appoint Mansouri as prime minister. Mansouri brings a long political résumé to the position, having served as Minister of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy and as a long-standing member of parliament.
Mansouri has a history of breaking new ground in Moroccan politics. She became Marrakech's first female mayor in 2009 and returned to the office after the 2021 local elections. In 2024, she took on the role of PAM's collective leadership. Her appointment as prime minister is seen as a significant step forward for women's representation in Moroccan politics.
Morocco is now one of only two North African nations with a woman heading the government. Tunisia appointed Najla Bouden as its first female prime minister in 2021. Mansouri's immediate priority is to assemble a cabinet that can secure parliamentary backing. Once a cabinet is formed, the administration will address domestic issues and oversee infrastructure projects linked to Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Mansouri's appointment has been seen as a positive move towards increasing women's representation in Moroccan politics. Her experience and political background make her well-suited to the role of prime minister. As she begins to form her cabinet, Mansouri will face the challenge of building a coalition government and addressing the country's pressing issues.
The appointment of Fatima Zahra Mansouri as Morocco's first female prime minister marks a significant milestone in the country's history. As Mansouri begins her tenure, she will be closely watched by Moroccans and international observers alike. Her success in forming a cabinet and addressing the country's challenges will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of her leadership.
Key points
- Fatima Zahra Mansouri is the first woman to hold the prime-ministerial post in Morocco.
- Mansouri's party, PAM, secured 97 seats in the September legislative vote, but fell short of an outright majority.
- Morocco is one of only two North African nations with a woman heading the government, along with Tunisia.
