In brief
In a landmark decision, Morocco has appointed 50‑year‑old Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as prime minister following her Authenticity and Modernity Party’s (PAM) election victory. The move makes her only the second woman to head an Arab government, after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. King Mohammed VI chose El Mansouri over fellow PAM leader Fouzi Lekjaa, a choice that highlights the king’s central role in the country’s constitutional monarchy. With 97 seats, PAM must now form a coalition to secure a majority in the 395‑member parliament. Her background in law and municipal governance is expected to shape the new administration’s priorities across housing, infrastructure and gender‑related policy debates.
In a historic first, Morocco has appointed 50‑year‑old Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as prime minister, following her Authenticity and Modernity Party’s (PAM) victory in last week’s parliamentary elections.
El Mansouri, who had served as the mayor of Marrakesh and held various ministerial posts, is the second woman in the Arab world to head a government, after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.
King Mohammed VI made the decision, choosing El Mansouri over fellow PAM stalwart Fouzi Lekjaa. Though Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, the king still appoints the government leader from the party that tops the polls.
With 97 seats in the 395‑member parliament, PAM will need a coalition to secure a majority. Although it has strained ties with the former governing National Rally of Independents, PAM is hopeful of forging alliances to drive a new political agenda.
El Mansouri highlighted the king’s support for women during her press briefing and pledged to govern with dignity. Her background in law and urban planning is expected to shape policy debates around housing, infrastructure and administrative reforms.
Questions remain about how gender‑specific worship venues might adapt to a female prime minister, but El Mansouri refrained from detailed replies, citing respect for the king’s role.
