Fátima Ezzahra El Mansouri Becomes Morocco's First Female Prime Minister

On September 29, 2023, a significant milestone was achieved in Moroccan politics as King Mohammed VI appointed Fátima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first female Prime Minister. This historic appointment follows the recent electoral success of her centrist-liberal party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), in the parliamentary elections held on September 23. The announcement was made by the Royal Palace, highlighting the monarch's confidence in El Mansouri to form a new government.

El Mansouri's ascent to the Prime Ministerial position marks a groundbreaking moment for Morocco, a nation that operates under a constitutional monarchy where the King holds substantial authority over critical areas, including foreign policy and defense. According to the Moroccan Constitution, the monarch is responsible for appointing the head of government from the party that secures the most seats in the House of Representatives.

The PAM, established in 2008 by a royal advisor, has emerged as a significant political force, particularly as a counterbalance to the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). The PAM advocates for social modernization and secular ideas, reflecting a progressive vision for Morocco's future. The party's recent elevation to the leading position in the ruling coalition was bolstered by the addition of Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation and a former budget officer, who joined the PAM shortly before the elections.

As an accomplished lawyer, El Mansouri previously served as the Minister of Housing in the outgoing government and held the position of Mayor of Marrakech. She will now lead the negotiations to establish a coalition government and present a cabinet list for the King’s approval. Her government is expected to oversee the final phases of a $20 billion plan aimed at preparing for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain. Furthermore, El Mansouri's administration will implement economic policies designed to address widespread dissatisfaction among the youth, a sentiment that became particularly evident during the mass migration toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July and last year’s protests led by Generation Z.

As reported by es-us.noticias.yahoo.com.