By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has approved the appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman Prime Minister, following parliamentary elections that saw her party emerge as the largest political force.
The appointment, announced by the Royal Palace on Tuesday, marks a historic moment for the North African country and makes El Mansouri the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world, after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.
El Mansouri leads the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which won 97 of the 395 seats in parliament in the September 23 election. The result gives the party the leading role in forming the next government, but it falls short of an outright majority.
She is expected to negotiate a coalition with other parties to secure parliamentary support for her administration.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI), led by outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, came second with 66 seats, followed by the Istiqlal Party with 65.
The new government faces pressure to address economic and social concerns, including unemployment, living costs and access to public services.
It is also expected to make major infrastructure investments as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
El Mansouri had previously served as mayor of Marrakech and held ministerial responsibilities for national planning, urban development and housing.
