Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was appointed Prime Minister of Morocco on 29 September 2026 by King Mohammed VI. She became the first woman to hold the office of prime minister in Morocco and the second woman prime minister in the Arab world after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. Her appointment followed the parliamentary election of 23 September 2026, in which the Authenticity and Modernity Party won 97 of 395 seats.
Moroccan Political System
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy in North Africa with a bicameral parliament and a prime minister who heads the government. The king retains powers over foreign policy, defence, and other strategic state functions. The prime minister is responsible for forming a cabinet and managing day-to-day government administration.
Parliamentary Majority in Morocco
The Moroccan House of Representatives has 395 seats. A parliamentary majority requires 198 seats. The Authenticity and Modernity Party won 97 seats in the 2026 election, which required coalition-building with other parties to form a government.
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri: Public Office and Background
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is a 50-year-old lawyer and politician. Before becoming prime minister, she served as mayor of Marrakesh and as Minister of National Spatial Planning, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Policy. Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s major cities and a former imperial capital.
Important Facts for Exams
- Morocco is located in North Africa and has a constitutional monarchy.
- King Mohammed VI is the monarch of Morocco and appoints the prime minister.
- Tunisia’s Najla Bouden was the first woman prime minister in the Arab world.
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party is commonly known by the acronym PAM.
Women in Arab Politics
Women have held top executive offices in only a few Arab states. Tunisia and Morocco are among the countries where women have reached the office of prime minister. Such appointments are recorded as major milestones in the political history of the Arab world.
