Morocco appoints first female prime minister

Historic appointment for Morocco

On Tuesday, King Mohammed VI named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first female prime minister, a move described by the royal palace as a historic step. El Mansouri, a 50-year-old former housing minister and mayor of Marrakesh, was tasked with forming a new government following her party’s election victory. Her appointment marks the second time a woman has held the position in the Arab world, following Najla Bouden’s tenure in Tunisia.

El Mansouri’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, winning the most votes in last week’s parliamentary election. However, the party fell short of the 198 seats required for an outright majority and will need to build a coalition to govern. The monarch retains broad powers over major policies, but the new government will face significant challenges, including unemployment and living costs.

The appointment comes at a critical time for Morocco, which is preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The new government is expected to oversee billions of dollars in investments linked to the tournament, while also addressing pressing socioeconomic issues. El Mansouri has pledged to focus on creating jobs and restoring hope among young Moroccans, who have been at the forefront of recent protests.

El Mansouri’s background

Born in Marrakesh in 1976, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri studied law and holds advanced degrees from the University of Montpellier in France and New York University in the United States. She began her political career in local governance, becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of Marrakesh in 2009. She was re-elected to the position in 2021 and later moved into national government as Minister of National Spatial Planning, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Policy.

During her tenure as housing minister, El Mansouri oversaw key initiatives, including a direct housing support program and reforms related to urban planning and the rehousing of earthquake victims. Her experience in both local and national governance has positioned her to lead the country through a period of significant economic and social change. Her party, founded in 2008 by royal adviser Fouad Ali El Himma, has expressed a willingness to work with other parties to form a coalition.

The new prime minister’s appointment has been met with pride by many Moroccan women, who see it as a milestone in the country’s political landscape. El Mansouri emphasized in a televised address that her role is a source of pride not only for her but for all women in Morocco. Her government will need to navigate complex political dynamics to address the country’s pressing issues and deliver on its promises.

Political context and challenges

The parliamentary election, held on September 23, saw the lowest turnout in two decades, highlighting voter disengagement and frustration. The PAM’s victory was followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats and the Istiqlal party with 65 seats. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), the main Islamist opposition, won 54 seats, making significant gains from its 2021 performance.

The PJD’s leader, former prime minister Abdelilah Benkirane, has ruled out joining a coalition led by the PAM, accusing the party of fraud. This division could complicate El Mansouri’s efforts to form a stable government. Additionally, the new administration must address the socioeconomic grievances that have fueled recent protests, including demands for better healthcare and education.

The upcoming five-year term will be crucial for Morocco as it seeks to balance economic growth with social stability. The government has pledged an average annual economic growth of five percent, inflation of two percent, and the creation of at least one million new jobs. Achieving these goals will require cooperation from all political parties and a commitment to addressing the needs of the Moroccan people.

Sources and context

aljazeera.com — Morocco’s king names Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri first woman PM

france24.com — Morocco's king appoints Marrakesh mayor El Mansouri as first woman prime minister