Fatima Zahra El Mansouri has made history as Morocco’s first female head of government. King Mohammed VI appointed the 50-year-old politician on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Her appointment followed the Authenticity and Modernity Party’s (PAM) victory in the September 23 parliamentary election. PAM won 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, Al Jazeera reports.
El Mansouri Gets Historic Appointment
Under Morocco’s constitution, the king appoints the head of government from the party that wins the most seats. The king therefore selected El Mansouri and tasked her with forming a new government. She was chosen ahead of Fouzi Lekjaa, a senior PAM politician and president of Morocco’s football federation. 
Her appointment marks the first time a woman has led Morocco’s government. It also makes her the third woman in the Arab world to hold such a position. Tunisia’s Najla Bouden, was appointed in October 2021, and Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, in March 2025, both previously held the office.
Fatima Zahra El Mansouri: From Marrakech Mayor to Prime Minister
El Mansouri is a lawyer who studied at Mohammed V University in Rabat. She also pursued further studies in France and the United States.
Her political career began with PAM, which was founded in 2008. She became Marrakech’s first female mayor in 2009 and later returned to the position after the 2021 elections. She also served as minister responsible for national territory planning, urban planning, housing and city policy.
Since February 2024, she has served as PAM’s national coordinator under its collective leadership.
‘It Will Be a Great Honour’ – Fatima Zahra El Mansouri
During the celebratory press conference on her winning the election and before her appointment, El Mansouri faced questions about becoming Morocco’s first female prime minister. She praised King Mohammed VI during a press conference.
“His Majesty is the holder of wisdom,” she said. “If I am entrusted with the responsibility of head of government, it will be a great honour.”
She has previously rejected descriptions of herself as an “iron woman”.
“I am neither a woman of steel nor iron,” she said in 2021. “I am a free activist.”
ALSO READ: Why 60,000 Moroccan Migrants Crossed Into Spain’s Ceuta Enclave, Leaving 34 Dead
A New Chapter for Moroccan Women
El Mansouri’s appointment comes amid continuing debates about women’s rights in Morocco. These include discussions around inheritance laws, polygamy and women’s participation in public life.
Her rise also comes as Morocco prepares for major investments linked to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
She will now face the challenge of building a coalition government after PAM fell short of the 198 seats needed for a majority. The party has welcomed her appointment as a major moment for Moroccan women and its political history.
Moroccoans’ Reactions to El Mansouri
Moroccans have reacted to Fatima Zahra El Mansouri’s appointment. Read some of their reactions below:
“coolroul said: “Well she did not come out from no where, She is a lawyer and the mayor of Marrakech”
“nyzan wrote: “The most important thing is that she acts with integrity, stands up for the people, and is committed to upholding the rules. It does not matter whether she is a man or a woman; we want fairness in both work and healthcare.”
@jacB2.1 commented: “Meanwhile, Netherlands never had a female prime-minister”
@Seven McAir prayed: “I wish for progress for more jobs health care and homes hospitals en far for what it’s deserves”
@theunpaidwife taunted: “😁😂to make happy west..which is not popular “
READ MORE: Inheritance Rights: Anambra Govt to Prosecute Those Denying Women , Daughters
About The Author
