Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Begins Political Dialogues Following Her Appointment in Morocco
In a significant development for Moroccan politics, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, recently appointed by King Mohammed VI, has embarked on discussions to form the new government. As the leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which emerged victorious in the recent legislative elections, El Mansouri is extending an olive branch to all political groups, including the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), amidst a notably fragmented parliament.
Following her appointment on September 29, 2026, El Mansouri's rise to power has been interpreted by many Moroccan media outlets as a progressive step for the country. Reports highlight that entrusting a woman with the reins of the executive authority positions Morocco as a leading example in the region, showcasing a commitment to modern governance. Hespress, a prominent news platform, emphasized that this unprecedented political visibility for women in the Maghreb and the Arab world reinforces Morocco's narrative advocating for inclusive governance.
El Mansouri herself acknowledged the symbolic importance of her appointment, expressing pride not only for herself but for all women in the nation. Shortly after her audience with King Mohammed VI, she visited her party's headquarters, where the political bureau held an extraordinary session to officially celebrate the 50-year-old lawyer's historic appointment as the mayor of Marrakech.
Immediate Engagement with Political Parties
El Mansouri's work commenced immediately following her appointment, with the PAM expressing a clear intent to swiftly initiate the process of forming the new executive. In this context, the party is keen on maintaining a proactive stance, reaching out to all political factions, even those positioned in opposition, like the PJD. This strategy of openness is particularly crucial given that the recent legislative elections have produced a highly fragmented parliament.
The PJD's secretary-general reportedly received a call from El Mansouri shortly after her appointment, where she proposed a meeting. This invitation was accepted, signifying a willingness for dialogue, as the PJD holds a significant presence in the Chamber of Representatives with 54 deputies. Meetings are already scheduled for September 30, where delegations from various parties, including the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and Istiqlal, are set to engage with the PAM at its headquarters in Rabat.
As Morocco navigates this new political landscape, the approach taken by El Mansouri could potentially reshape the dynamics of governance and political collaboration in the country.
As reported by rfi.fr.
