Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, a 50‑year‑old lawyer and long‑time mayor of Marrakesh, has become Morocco’s first female prime minister after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (Pm) secured the most seats in the recent parliamentary elections.
Her appointment makes her only the second Arab‑world woman to lead a government, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. The king chose El Mansouri over fellow party member and football chief Fouzi Lekjaa.
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy where the king appoints the head of government from the party that wins the most seats. Pm holds 97 of 395 seats, far from the 198 needed for a majority, so coalition negotiations will be crucial.
El Mansouri’s background in business and corporate law, gained after studies in France and the US, complements her political experience as a minister for national territory planning, urban planning, housing and city policy. She has been a vocal, if restrained, advocate for women's rights, highlighting Morocco’s ongoing debates on issues such as polygamy and inheritance equality.
In a victory briefing, she praised the king as “the biggest advocate for women” and said, “His Majesty is the holder of wisdom… If I am entrusted with the responsibility of head of government, it will be a great honour.”
The new cabinet will need to align with other parties, as Pm has previously fractured ties with the National Rally of Independents, the former coalition partner. The Islamist Justice and Development Party remains in opposition, refusing to ally with Pm.
El Mansouri’s priority will be to create an inclusive government that reflects Morocco’s diverse population and continues to support progressive social reforms.
