Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister after her party won the most seats in parliamentary elections.
The 50-year-old lawyer leads the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which emerged as the largest party in parliament following last week’s vote.
Africanews, citing AFP, reported that King Mohammed VI appointed El Mansouri on Tuesday. Africanews
She will now face the task of forming a coalition government because PAM did not secure an outright parliamentary majority.
El Mansouri becomes Morocco’s first female prime minister
El Mansouri has served as mayor of Marrakesh and held a ministerial position in the previous coalition government.
Her appointment marks the first time a woman has become prime minister of Morocco.
PAM won 97 seats in Morocco’s 395-seat House of Representatives, making it the largest party following the election. However, the result leaves the party short of the seats needed to govern alone. Africanews
El Mansouri will therefore have to negotiate with other political parties to establish a governing coalition.
Youth and economy among key issues
During the election campaign, El Mansouri placed particular emphasis on the concerns of young Moroccans.
She promised to address economic and social pressures and said her party wanted to restore hope among young people through practical measures.
The new government will face issues including unemployment, the cost of living and social disparities.
Morocco has experienced significant youth discontent in recent years, including protests over economic conditions and public services.
El Mansouri said during the campaign that young people needed answers and concrete solutions, according to Africanews. Africanews
Morocco prepares for new coalition government
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. The elected government manages many areas of domestic policy, while King Mohammed VI retains significant authority, including over key areas such as defence and foreign policy.
El Mansouri’s government will also oversee Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Another major issue will be Western Sahara. The territory remains disputed, and Morocco considers it part of its territory while supporting an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.
El Mansouri now faces coalition negotiations as she prepares to form Morocco’s next government.