King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Prime Minister, marking the first time a woman will lead the government, according to a royal palace announcement on Tuesday, September 29. The monarch received El Mansouri—who serves as national coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM)—at the royal palace in Rabat and officially charged her with forming the new administration.
The PAM Victory and Legislative Elections
The appointment follows the victory of the Authenticity and Modernity Party in the September 23 legislative elections. According to provisional results announced early Thursday morning by Minister of the Interior Abdelouafi Laftit, the center-right PAM secured 97 of the 395 seats in the Chamber of Representatives. The party triumphed in an election cycle that saw a voter turnout of 38 percent, representing a low point not seen in nearly 20 years.
Following the runner-up finishes, the National Rally of Independents (RNI)—the party of outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch—dropped to 66 seats, losing roughly thirty seats compared to the 2021 legislative vote. Meanwhile, the Istiqlal Party placed third with 65 seats. On the opposition side, the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) quadrupled its parliamentary standing by winning 54 seats, up from 13 previously, though its secretary-general Abdelilah Benkirane ruled out joining the new majority.
Did You Know? Before stepping into national leadership, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri made history in 2009 by becoming the first female mayor of Marrakech at just 33 years old, a role she currently maintains for a second term since 2021.
Coalition Challenges and Socio-Economic Pressures
Because the PAM did not secure an absolute majority, El Mansouri must negotiate a five-year governing coalition with other political factions, although the king retains ultimate authority over strategic sector orientations. The incoming administration takes power amid public disillusionment with politicians and widespread anxiety over unemployment and economic inequality, particularly among the nation’s youth. These underlying tensions gained renewed visibility following an influx of migrants toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July.
During the campaign, the newly appointed Prime Minister’s party pledged to achieve an average economic growth rate of 5 percent annually, keep inflation capped at 2 percent to protect consumer purchasing power, and generate at least one million jobs. Meeting these targets while repairing public trust will define the core challenges of her tenure.
Expert Insight: El Mansouri’s background as a lawyer, former Minister of Housing under outgoing leader Aziz Akhannouch, and seasoned local administrator gives her executive experience within Morocco’s political apparatus. However, building a stable legislative majority while attempting to deliver on major employment and anti-inflation promises will test her coalition-building skills from day one.
Key questions about Morocco's new prime minister and parliament
Who appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Prime Minister?
King Mohammed VI appointed her to the position, as announced by the royal palace on September 29.
How many seats did the Authenticity and Modernity Party win?
The PAM won 97 out of 395 seats in the Chamber of Representatives during the September 23 elections.
What challenges face the new Prime Minister?
She faces persistent socio-economic issues, including youth unemployment and inequality, alongside the task of forming a governing coalition without an absolute parliamentary majority.
How will Morocco's political dynamics shift now that a woman leads the government for the first time?
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