Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri: A New Era for Morocco
In a landmark decision that is reshaping the political landscape of Morocco, King Muhammed VI has officially appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the nation's first female prime minister. This announcement came shortly after her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, achieved a significant victory in the recent parliamentary elections, securing 97 out of the 395 available seats. The news was disseminated via a statement on the state-run news platform, Maghreb Arab Presse, on September 30. Prior to this monumental role, Mansouri served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Policy, and she also made history as the first female mayor of Marrakesh.
Mansouri's ascension to the prime ministership is not merely a personal accomplishment; she views it as a pivotal moment for women across Morocco. During her inaugural press briefing, she referred to her appointment as a "historic" milestone, emphasizing its significance as a source of pride not only for herself but for all women in the kingdom. "This is a message to all women in the kingdom," she stated, reflecting her commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality in Moroccan society.
Despite her new role, Mansouri and her party must navigate the complexities of coalition-building, as they fell short of securing an outright majority in the elections. This necessitates collaboration with leaders from other political factions to form a functional government. Interestingly, her rise to this prominent position was not anticipated by many, as it was widely speculated that King Muhammed would appoint Fouzi Lekjaa, the budget minister and president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, to oversee preparations for Morocco's hosting of the 2030 World Cup. Nevertheless, Mansouri's appointment places her among a select group of women who have held the title of head of government in the Arab world, following in the footsteps of Tunisia's Najla Bouden and Sarra Zaarfrani Zensri.
As reported by upi.com.
