Emerging Political Figures in Morocco
In recent discussions surrounding the political future of Morocco, Professor Mohamed Nashtawi from Marrakech University highlighted a pivotal question: will the direct appointment of the Prime Minister lean towards Fatima Zahra Mansouri or the newcomer Fouzi Lekjaa? Nashtawi referenced a potential political strategy aimed at establishing a "World Cup Government" under Lekjaa’s leadership, especially considering the urgent need to prepare the country’s infrastructure in anticipation of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Fatima Zahra Mansouri's rise to the forefront of Moroccan politics is not merely a product of a single electoral moment but rather the culmination of a well-established political journey originating from Marrakech. Her initial foray into local governance paved the way for her subsequent roles in parliament and the government, ultimately leading her to the helm of the "Authenticity and Modernity Party," popularly known as "the tractor," which recently triumphed in the legislative elections.
As the "tractor" party solidifies its position in Morocco's electoral landscape, Mansouri's name transcends discussions about the party's status or its positioning within the upcoming governing majority. Instead, it has sparked predictions regarding who might lead the next government—a role that could potentially make her the first woman to assume the Prime Minister's office in Moroccan history.
The Path Ahead for Mansouri
Mansouri's pathway appears relatively clear as she transitions from her roots in Marrakech, where she held various positions before her recent tenure as the Minister of Housing, towards the capital, Rabat, specifically to the "Palace of the Happy Consultation." Here, many Moroccans anticipate her meeting with King Mohammed VI, who is expected to appoint her to form the new government.
According to Article 47 of the Moroccan Constitution, the King designates the Prime Minister from the political party that secures the most seats in the House of Representatives based on election results. Since the "Authenticity and Modernity Party" emerged victorious with 97 seats, it stands to reason that Mansouri would be appointed from this party.
What sets the "tractor" party apart from other Moroccan political entities is its collective leadership structure, which includes Mansouri, Mohamed Mehdi Bennani, and Salah Eddin Abulghali. However, Mansouri serves as the national coordinator of this collective leadership, positioning her as a central figure in the party's decision-making process.
Respecting constitutional conventions, it seems likely that Mansouri will be appointed as the next Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone as the first Moroccan woman to lead the government, a title she could carry as "the daughter of the Pasha," a nod to her father, Abdel Rahman Mansouri, who served as the Pasha of Marrakech for several years.
Nevertheless, the constitutional text does allow the King to appoint another figure from the leading party, which raises the possibility of Fouzi Lekjaa, the newly joined Minister of Finance, also being considered for this pivotal role.
Mansouri, born in 1976 in Marrakech, has honed her political and managerial skills through her legal background, having studied law at the University of Montpellier in France and practiced as a lawyer. She garnered significant attention when she became the first woman to lead the Marrakech Municipal Council in 2009, later reclaiming that position after the 2021 elections.
Her legislative experience is extensive, with her election to the House of Representatives in 2011, 2016, and 2021, culminating in her appointment in October 2021 as Minister of National Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy. In 2024, she climbed the ranks within the "tractor" party to become the coordinator of the collective leadership, effectively acting as the party's secretary-general, and drawing attention as her party led the recent elections, bringing her closer than ever to the Prime Ministership.
As reported by independentarabia.com.
