Fatima Zahra Mansouri Makes History as Morocco's First Female Prime Minister
In a groundbreaking moment for Morocco, Fatima Zahra Mansouri has been appointed as the country's first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political history. This historic appointment took place on Tuesday, following nearly two decades of Mansouri's involvement in politics, where she has established herself as a prominent figure within the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which emerged victorious in the recent parliamentary elections held last week.
Mansouri’s political journey has seen her rise through the ranks, culminating in her party securing 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives, making it the leading party amidst a competitive landscape of 28 political entities. The appointment was formalized during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where King Mohammed VI entrusted her with the responsibility of forming a new government, in accordance with Article 47 of Morocco's constitution, which mandates the king to appoint the head of government from the party with the majority of seats.
Expressing her sentiments on this momentous occasion, Mansouri described her appointment as a source of immense pride not only for herself but for all women across the nation. She underscored the significance of breaking gender barriers in Moroccan politics, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and representation at the highest levels of government. Born in Marrakech in 1976, Mansouri has an extensive academic background in law, having studied private law at Mohammed V University in Rabat and furthering her education in business law in France and the United States.
Mansouri's political career began in 2007 with the Movement for All Democrats, and she was a founding member of PAM when it was established in 2008. Her leadership credentials were established early on when she became the first woman to lead the municipal council of Marrakech from 2009 to 2015. After a brief hiatus, she returned to the council following the 2021 elections and was subsequently elected to the parliament in 2011, with re-election in 2016. Her roles have included serving as the minister for national territorial planning, urban development, housing, and city policy from 2021 onward. As the newly appointed prime minister, Mansouri is expected to navigate the complexities of governance with a focus on progressive policies and reforms that address the needs and aspirations of Moroccan citizens.
As reported by youtube.com.
