Morocco names Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri first woman prime minister

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has appointed Marrakesh mayor Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in last week’s parliamentary election.

The 50-year-old politician, who previously served as housing minister, was formally tasked with forming the new government, according to the royal cabinet. PAM secured 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, finishing 31 seats ahead of its closest rival.

El Mansouri described her appointment as a historic moment for Morocco, saying she was proud to become the first woman to lead the country’s government.

However, her party fell short of an outright majority and will need to negotiate with other political groups to form a coalition.

Speaking after her appointment, El Mansouri said her immediate priority would be consultations within PAM, followed by talks with other parties to establish the new government.

A member of PAM since its founding in 2008, El Mansouri has previously made history as Marrakesh’s first female mayor. She first held the position in 2009, returned to office in 2021 and has remained a prominent figure in Moroccan politics.