Rizky Amelia
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, a decision announced by the royal palace on Tuesday. The 50-year-old urban planning minister and mayor of Marrakesh has been tasked with forming a new government, marking a significant milestone in Moroccan political history. The appointment makes El Mansouri the second woman ever to serve as prime minister in the Arab world, following Najla Bouden’s tenure in Tunisia from October 2021 to August 2023.
In a televised address following the announcement, El Mansouri described her appointment as “truly historic,” expressing that it represents a moment of pride for herself and for women across Morocco. “For the first time in our country’s history, a woman is taking on the responsibility of leading the government,” she stated, underscoring the symbolic importance of the development for gender representation in Moroccan politics.
The appointment came four days after the results of last week’s legislative elections were officially announced. El Mansouri’s party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), secured the most votes in the election, winning 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, Morocco’s lower house of parliament. Despite this victory, PAM fell considerably short of the 198 seats required for an outright majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government.
PAM was founded in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a close friend of the king, and is widely regarded as monarchy-aligned. The party has expressed its willingness to work with all political parties to build a governing coalition. However, some parties, including the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and the Federation of Democratic Left, have already announced that they will remain in the opposition rather than join a coalition government.
The task of assembling a governing coalition will be El Mansouri’s first major challenge as prime minister-designate. This coalition will be responsible for deciding allocations for billions of dollars in investments, particularly in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is scheduled to primarily host alongside Portugal and Spain. The infrastructure and development projects associated with the tournament represent a significant economic opportunity and will require careful coordination between coalition partners.
El Mansouri’s political career has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements. Born in Marrakesh in 1976, she pursued legal studies and obtained a diploma in advanced studies from the University of Montpellier in France, as well as a diploma in Anglo-Saxon business law from New York University in the United States. Her academic background in law and business provided a strong foundation for her subsequent political career.
She entered local governance at an early age, being elected mayor of Marrakesh in 2009 and becoming the first woman to hold the city’s mayoralty. After completing her first term, she returned to lead the Marrakesh municipal council following the 2021 elections, demonstrating her continued popularity and effectiveness as a local leader. Throughout her career, she also accumulated significant parliamentary experience, being elected as a member of the House of Representatives over successive terms.
In October 2021, El Mansouri transitioned to national government when she was appointed as Minister of National Spatial Planning, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Policy. During her tenure in this role, she oversaw several key files, including the direct housing support programme and reforms related to urban planning and spatial development. She also managed the sensitive file concerning the rehousing of those affected by the Al Haouz earthquake, a significant humanitarian and logistical challenge.
The appointment of a woman to the highest political office in Morocco represents a notable development in a region where female political leadership remains relatively rare. While several Arab countries have seen women serve in various ministerial and diplomatic roles, the position of prime minister has historically been dominated by men. El Mansouri’s elevation to this position places Morocco at the forefront of gender political representation in the Arab world.
The significance of this appointment extends beyond symbolic representation. As prime minister, El Mansouri will be responsible for overseeing government operations, implementing policy priorities, and managing Morocco’s response to various domestic and international challenges. Her background in urban planning and housing will be particularly relevant as Morocco prepares for the 2030 World Cup and continues to address infrastructure and development needs.
The coalition-building process will require El Mansouri to negotiate with various political parties, each with their own priorities and policy preferences. The PJD’s decision to remain in opposition is notable, as the party previously held power following the 2011 elections. This shift in political dynamics reflects the evolving nature of Moroccan politics and the changing preferences of the electorate.
El Mansouri’s appointment has generated considerable attention both domestically and internationally, with many observers viewing it as a positive step toward greater gender inclusivity in Moroccan governance. Her success in forming a stable coalition government and effectively leading the country will be closely watched as a test of her political capabilities and as a precedent for future female leaders in the region.
The challenges facing the new government are substantial, ranging from economic development and job creation to social welfare and infrastructure investment. The preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup represents both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring significant coordination between government agencies, private sector partners, and international stakeholders. How El Mansouri navigates these complexities will shape her legacy as Morocco’s first female prime minister.
As Morocco prepares for this new chapter in its political history, the appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in advancing women’s participation in public life. Her journey from local mayor to national leader reflects the possibilities that exist for women in Moroccan society, and her tenure as prime minister will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female politicians across the region.
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