Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has made history as Morocco’s first female Prime Minister after King Mohammed VI appointed her to lead the government on September 29, 2026.

The 50-year-old lawyer and politician was appointed after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in Morocco’s September 23 parliamentary elections, winning 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives. However, the party fell short of an outright majority and will need to form a coalition government.

El Mansouri brings extensive political experience to the position. She first became mayor of Marrakesh in 2009, making her the first woman to lead the city. She returned to the position after the 2021 elections and has also served several terms as a member of Morocco’s Parliament.

In 2021, she was appointed Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy, a position she held until her appointment as head of government. She is also a trained lawyer who has practiced in Morocco since 2005.

Her appointment represents a historic milestone for women in Moroccan politics. She is also among only a small number of women to have served as a head of government in the Arab world.

As Prime Minister, El Mansouri will face the immediate challenge of building a governing coalition. Her administration is also expected to focus on employment, economic reforms, social programmes and preparations for Morocco’s role in hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.