Historic Appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri
In a monumental move for gender representation in politics, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the Prime Minister on September 29, 2026, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this esteemed position in the country's history. This appointment, executed under Article 47 of the Moroccan Constitution, took place during a royal audience at the Royal Palace in Rabat. The King entrusted her with the task of forming a new government, a role that underscores both her legal expertise and political acumen.
Academic Background and Political Journey
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri's academic credentials are impressive, having earned a Bachelor's degree in Private Law from Mohammed V University in Rabat, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Business Contracts Law from the University of Montpellier. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Anglo-Saxon Law from Pace University in the United States. Her educational background laid a robust foundation for her career in law, specializing in real estate law as a practicing attorney in Marrakech since March 22, 2005.
El Mansouri's political career began when she joined the "Democratic Movement" in 2007, leading to her pivotal role in co-founding the Authenticity and Modernity Party in 2008. Her rise in political ranks was meteoric; she was elected as the first female president of the Marrakech municipal council in 2009 and served until 2015. Her tenure in the House of Representatives spanned two terms from 2011 to 2021, showcasing her enduring influence in Moroccan politics.
Recognized for her impactful contributions, Forbes included El Mansouri in its 2014 list of the 20 most influential young women in Africa. Additionally, she was named a Global Young Leader in the same year. Her leadership skills were further exemplified when she was appointed as the head of the National Council of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, a position she held until 2024. In 2021, she resumed her role as the mayor of Marrakech and served as Minister of National Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and Urban Policy until 2026.
With the Authenticity and Modernity Party emerging as the leading force in the 2026 legislative elections, securing 97 out of 395 seats, El Mansouri's appointment as Prime Minister is not only historic but also a testament to her dedication and leadership capabilities in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
