Fatima Zahra Mansouri has made history as Morocco’s first female prime minister, following her appointment by King Mohammed VI on Tuesday. She is tasked with forming the new government after her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), secured 97 seats in the recent parliamentary elections, achieving a significant lead over the closest rival.
However, the election saw the lowest voter turnout in two decades, raising concerns about public engagement. Mansouri expressed pride in her appointment, stating, “For the first time in our country’s history, a woman is taking on the responsibility of leading the government. This is a source of pride not only for me but for all Moroccan women.”
At 50, Mansouri is the second woman in the Arab world to hold the position of prime minister, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. Her government will need to address pressing issues like inflation, wages, and job creation. Additionally, she will oversee investment initiatives linked to Morocco co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Mansouri previously served as the mayor of Marrakesh, first elected in 2009 and again in 2021. She has been with PAM since its inception in 2008 and has become one of its prominent leaders.
Her priority now is to form a coalition government, with PAM open to working with all parties, although some opposition parties, including the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party, have chosen to remain in opposition.
