In a landmark decision, Morocco has appointed its first female prime minister, Fatima Zahra El Mansouri. This follows the success of her centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party (Pam) in securing the most seats during the recent parliamentary elections. King Mohammed VI made the appointment, choosing El Mansouri over Fouzi Lekjaa, a notable figure in Moroccan politics and football administration.
Breaking Gender Barriers in the Arab World
El Mansouri’s appointment marks her as only the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. Aged 50, she has been a prominent political figure, serving as the mayor of Marrakesh and as a minister in the previous coalition government. Despite Morocco being a constitutional monarchy, significant power resides with the king.
At a press conference celebrating her party’s victory, El Mansouri was questioned about potential changes in religious ceremonies attended by the king, where traditional gender segregation is observed. She chose not to directly address the inquiry but instead commended the king as a strong supporter of women’s rights in Morocco.
A Pioneering Political Career
El Mansouri is a trained lawyer who studied at Mohammed V University in Rabat before furthering her education in France and the United States, focusing on business and corporate law. Her political journey began with the founding of Pam in 2008, and she became Marrakesh’s first female mayor in 2009, a position she reclaimed after the 2021 elections.
In addition to her role as mayor, she served as a minister overseeing national territory planning, urban planning, housing, and city policy. In 2024, she was appointed as the co-ordinator of Pam’s leadership coalition. Despite her achievements, El Mansouri has distanced herself from being labeled as an “iron woman,” emphasizing her identity as a “free activist.”
Challenges Ahead
El Mansouri’s political career has not focused heavily on women’s rights or gender equality, despite ongoing national discussions about issues such as polygamy and inheritance rights. Under Morocco’s constitution, the king appoints the head of government from the party with the most seats in the House of Representatives. Pam, lacking a single secretary general, has been led by a collective leadership since 2024.
With 97 seats, Pam must form a coalition to achieve the 198 seats required for a parliamentary majority. However, it remains uncertain which party will join Pam, as it has parted ways with the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the leader of the outgoing government. Meanwhile, the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) has regained strength with 54 seats, but its leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, has stated the party will remain in opposition and not partner with Pam.
