Morocco’s Historic Leadership Shift
In a groundbreaking development for Moroccan politics, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has been appointed as the nation’s first female prime minister. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as El Mansouri previously made history 17 years ago by becoming the first woman to serve as the mayor of Marrakesh. Following her party’s victory in the recent parliamentary elections, where they secured 97 out of 395 seats, King Mohammed VI entrusted her with the responsibility of forming a government. "This is a truly historic moment," El Mansouri expressed, emphasizing the pride this achievement brings not only to her but also to all Moroccan women.
A Journey Through Politics and Education
El Mansouri, who is fluent in three languages, pursued her legal studies in the United States and at the University of Montpellier in France. She joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) shortly after its establishment in 2008, playing a crucial role within the party as it sought to counterbalance the influence of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). Abdellah Tourabi, a Moroccan journalist, noted her integral presence from the party’s inception, highlighting her commitment and influence within PAM.
Her political career experienced a notable ascent when she made headlines in 2009, becoming Marrakesh's first female mayor at just 33 years old. Despite a setback in 2015 when she lost her mayoral position to the PJD, she made a remarkable comeback in 2021. Following her re-election, she was appointed as a minister in the outgoing government led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Following the recent elections, she secured her parliamentary seat, although it will be passed on to the next candidate on her list, allowing her to continue serving as mayor until the municipal elections in 2027.
El Mansouri’s PAM party has shifted from being the second-largest in the previous government coalition to the dominant party, positioning her to lead the government effectively. However, since her party does not possess a parliamentary majority, she faces the challenge of negotiating coalition agreements, with no “red lines” being set for potential partners.
Taking office amid a climate of discontent among young Moroccans, particularly following a significant drop in voter turnout to 38 percent, El Mansouri acknowledges the pressing expectations of the populace, especially the youth. Her party campaigned on ambitious promises, including the creation of one million jobs, achieving an average economic growth rate of 5 percent, and maintaining inflation at 2 percent. In her inaugural remarks after the appointment, El Mansouri acknowledged the challenges ahead and expressed a commitment to meet the high expectations of Moroccans.
As reported by rfi.fr.
