Morocco appoints its first woman prime minister
Morocco appoints its first woman prime minister Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:05 Named by the king after her party’s victory in last week’s legislative elections, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri now faces numerous challenges Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco's newly appointed head of government, arrives for a meeting in Rabat on 29 September 2026 (Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP) Off…
Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as its first female prime minister, following her party's victory in the recent legislative elections. El Mansouri, who is 50 years old and a lawyer by profession, will lead the government for the next five years. This marks the third time an Arab woman has reached such a position, following Tunisia's Najla Bouden and Sara Zaafarani.
El Mansouri previously held the position of mayor of Marrakesh, a role she has held since 2021. She is currently the national coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and a newly re-elected MP. The PAM secured 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, but no party achieved an absolute majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government.
El Mansouri will have to negotiate with the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Istiqlal Party, and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) to form a governing coalition. She faces numerous challenges, including social discontent, the need to restore trust in the political class, preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and efforts to address the rising cost of living and unemployment.
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Also reported by 5 other outlets
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