A precedent-setting political event recently occurred in the Kingdom of Morocco as King Mohammed VI tasked attorney Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri with forming the country's government. The appointment, announced by the Royal Palace in Rabat, marks the first time in Moroccan history that a woman has served in this high-ranking role. The move was executed in accordance with Article 47 of the Moroccan Constitution, which requires the King to appoint the head of government from the party that secured the highest number of seats in the House of Representatives. According to election data, El Mansouri’s party, 'Authenticity and Modernity,' won 97 out of 395 seats, making it the largest party ahead of its political rivals.
El Mansouri, 50, brings significant professional experience as a jurist, academic qualifications obtained in Morocco, France, and the United States, and extensive municipal and parliamentary experience. She began her political career in 2007 and served as Mayor of Marrakech starting in 2009. In recent years, she served as Minister of National Planning and Housing, a role that provided her with experience in managing complex public systems. The appointment comes during a challenging time for the kingdom, which is grappling with economic difficulties, inflation, and unemployment—issues that were central to the recent elections, which saw a voter turnout of approximately 38 percent.
Now, the incoming Prime Minister faces the task of forming a functioning coalition, as her party does not hold an absolute majority in parliament. El Mansouri has clarified that she intends to conduct open negotiations to establish a government that meets the expectations of the King and the citizens. The challenges ahead include promoting necessary economic reforms and preparing infrastructure for hosting the 2030 World Cup, a significant national project for the kingdom. Experts view the appointment not just as a technical political move, but as a sign of the gradual progression of women's presence in the country's highest power centers. Nevertheless, the Moroccan Constitution maintains significant powers for the monarchy in the areas of security and foreign policy, which impacts the nature of the new government's work. This report is based on 'Maariv' coverage of the topic.