Morocco’s king appoints El Mansouri as first woman prime minister
King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri on Tuesday as Morocco’s first woman prime minister after her liberal-centrist party came out on top in a September 23 parliamentary election, the royal palace said. The king asked El Mansouri to form a new government, the palace said in a statement. El Mansouri’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) was created in 2008 by an adviser to the…
On Tuesday, King Mohammed VI announced the appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco's first female prime minister. This followed her party, Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), securing the most seats in the September 23 parliamentary election. PAM, established in 2008, advocates for social modernization and secular views, serving as a counterbalance to the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD).
As a constitutional monarchy, the king appoints the head of government from the party with the most seats. With 97 seats, PAM surpassed its previous positions and will now lead the formation of a coalition government. El Mansouri, a lawyer and former housing minister, will present a cabinet list for royal approval. The incoming government will address economic challenges and youth discontent in preparation for Morocco's role in hosting the 2030 World Cup.
PAM's expansion to the top spot was driven by the addition of Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco's football federation chief and experienced government budget manager. El Mansouri has declared she will have no "red lines" during coalition negotiations, signaling a willingness to collaborate across party lines. The 38% voter turnout reflects a decline in trust in elected institutions since the previous elections five years ago.
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