In a historic milestone for Moroccan politics, Fatima Zahra Mansouri, at the age of 50, has emerged as the first woman to assume the role of Prime Minister in Morocco. Her ascent to this prestigious position follows a remarkable journey from the ancient streets of Marrakech to the political salons of the capital, Rabat, marking a significant step for women's representation in the country. On Tuesday, King Mohammed VI entrusted Mansouri with the leadership of the government, after her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), secured the top spot in the recent parliamentary elections, winning 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives.
Mansouri's political stature has been bolstered by her previous role as the first female mayor of Marrakech and her leadership within PAM. Currently, she shares the leadership of the party with two other prominent figures: Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth and Culture, and Fatima Saadi, a key party leader. Under Article 47 of the Moroccan Constitution, the King appoints the Prime Minister from the political party that wins the most seats in the parliamentary elections, while the government ministers are designated upon the Prime Minister's recommendation.
A Transition from Law to Politics
Fatima Zahra Mansouri transitioned from her black lawyer’s gown to the political arena when she joined PAM in 2008. Her name has recently surged in prominence following her nomination for the Prime Ministership after her party's electoral success, culminating in her formal appointment by the King. The Ministry of Interior confirmed last Thursday that PAM topped the parliamentary elections, with 97 seats, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats, the Istiqlal Party with 65, and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) with 54 seats.
Born in Marrakech in 1976, Mansouri studied law at Mohammed V University in Rabat before furthering her education in France and the United States, specializing in business and corporate law. After returning to Morocco, she practiced law in Marrakech before venturing into politics and civil society. Mansouri first entered the spotlight when PAM was established in 2008, running for mayor in 2009 and becoming the first woman to hold that office in the city, an achievement that significantly advanced her political career.
Parliamentary and Government Experience
Mansouri's local government experience paved the way for her subsequent election to the House of Representatives and her appointment to the government, all while maintaining her position as mayor. Her parliamentary and local governance background enabled her to serve as Minister of Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy in Aziz Akhannouch's government from 2021 to 2026. In the 2021 elections, RNI emerged victorious with 102 seats, while PAM secured 86, and Istiqlal followed with 81 seats. Currently, Aziz Akhannouch, leader of RNI, heads the government, which includes PAM and Istiqlal in a coalition.
Within PAM, Mansouri has steadily climbed the ranks to reach the highest leadership positions since February 2024. Founded in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a former Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry and current advisor to King Mohammed VI, PAM has aimed to dominate the political landscape. The party's first Secretary-General, Mohamed Sheikh Biadillah, was elected in February 2009. Despite winning the most local seats in 2009, PAM faced setbacks due to the repercussions of the Arab Spring in 2011.
As Mansouri prepares to lead the next government, she faces numerous political, economic, and social challenges, along with initiatives linked to Morocco's preparations to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
