Fatima Zahra Mansouri, a prominent figure in Moroccan politics, has made history by becoming the first woman to head the Moroccan government. Her political journey commenced with her leadership in the Marrakech municipal council, a role she held from 2009 to 2021, before transitioning to parliamentary duties representing the Sidi Youssef Ben Ali district since the 2011 legislative elections. Her recent appointment, following a royal decree, to form the government for the 2027-2031 term underlines her significant rise in political ranks, culminating in her current position as the national coordinator for the collective leadership of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM).
Mansouri, who has been at the forefront of Morocco’s political landscape, particularly after PAM's success in the September 2026 elections, began her journey in Marrakech in 1976. She pursued her studies in law at Mohammed V University in Rabat and furthered her education in France and the United States, earning a diploma in business law from Montpellier University and another in Anglo-Saxon business law from New York University. Upon her return to Morocco, she initially practiced law before diving into politics through her involvement with the Marrakech council and the Democratic Movement.
The Rise from the Democratic Movement to PAM
Mansouri's ascent in politics is closely tied to her experiences prior to the establishment of PAM, particularly through the Democratic Movement, launched in February 2008 by notable political and civil figures. This initiative eventually evolved into the PAM political party in August of the same year. Her first significant electoral achievement came in the 2009 local elections when she won a seat on the Marrakech council and subsequently became its president, making her the first woman to hold this position.
Her political career did not stagnate at the local level; she was elected as a parliamentary deputy for PAM in the November 2011 elections, representing the Sidi Youssef Ben Ali district. This transition marked a significant step in her political journey, as she moved closer to the upper echelons of the party and became increasingly visible during pivotal moments in PAM's development.
During the third national conference of PAM in January 2016, held in Bouznika, Mansouri was elected president of the party's national council, a vital organizational body that plays a crucial role in making major decisions regarding the party's direction and alliances. Throughout her tenure, she maintained her parliamentary presence, serving as a deputy for the 2016-2021 legislative term and as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
Her election as president of PAM's parliament represented a significant milestone in her organizational rise within the party, especially during a time of leadership changes and internal conflicts. In February 2020, at the fourth national conference held in El Jadida, she was re-elected as president of the national council, continuing her influence leading up to the 2021 elections.
Transitioning to Government Leadership
The elections on September 8, 2021, served as a critical turning point for Mansouri. Alongside retaining her parliamentary seat, PAM emerged victorious in the municipal elections in Marrakech, leading to a coalition with the National Rally of Independents and Istiqlal, which facilitated PAM's leadership in the municipal council. On September 17, 2021, she was re-elected as mayor of Marrakech, securing 79 votes and returning to the mayoral position six years after her departure.
Her success in the 2021 elections not only allowed her to reclaim her role in managing Marrakech but also paved her way to a governmental position. On October 7 of the same year, she was appointed Minister of National Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy in the government of Aziz Akhannouch. This dual responsibility of leading the Marrakech council and holding a ministerial position marked her as a significant figure in the government, further solidifying her role within PAM.
After an extensive political career, the fifth national conference of PAM in February 2024, held in Bouznika, marked another pivotal moment for Mansouri. During this conference, the party's statutes were amended to establish a collective leadership structure for the general secretariat. Mansouri, along with Mohamed Mehdi Ben Saïd and Salah Eddine Abu Ghali, was elected to this new triadic leadership team, with Mansouri serving as the national coordinator of the collective leadership.
Since February 2024, Mansouri's presence in PAM has been characterized by her involvement in organizational meetings and interactions with elected officials, as she has taken on the responsibility of coordinating collective leadership and representing the party in various political engagements. Her leadership extends to chairing the party's organizational meetings, especially those of the political bureau, further emphasizing her central role within the party.
Entering the 2026 elections, Mansouri brought with her a wealth of experience that encompassed local governance, parliamentary responsibilities, governmental roles, and party leadership. Following the elections on September 23, where PAM secured 97 seats, she emerged as the leading candidate for the premiership, especially after receiving a royal appointment. Her campaign was marked by a strong political message aimed at persuading voters to support PAM's vision while also directing sharp critiques at her government ally, the National Rally of Independents.
Ultimately, Mansouri’s rise to becoming Morocco's first female Prime Minister not only represents a historic achievement for gender representation in Moroccan politics but also signals a transformative moment in the country's political landscape.
As reported by madar21.com.
