Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Takes Office as Country’s First Female Head of Government

Marrakech, The Gulf Observer: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri formally assumed office as Morocco’s Head of Government on Saturday following a handover ceremony with her predecessor, Aziz Akhannouch, at the headquarters of the Head of Government in Rabat.

The ceremony marked a historic milestone for Morocco, as El Mansouri became the first woman in the country’s history to lead the government. The transition took place a day after King Mohammed VI appointed the members of the new government on Friday, on El Mansouri’s proposal.

In a statement shared on her social media accounts, El Mansouri described the handover as a reflection of established administrative traditions, ensuring continuity in public service and the transfer of responsibilities in the interest of the nation. She emphasised the importance of dedication, commitment and selflessness in the discharge of public duties.

During the meeting, El Mansouri and Akhannouch reviewed key strategic matters and major projects currently underway. They stressed the need to maintain the pace of government work to implement royal directives, with particular attention to social programmes, economic growth and improving administrative efficiency.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a coordinated and responsible transition, with the objective of addressing Morocco’s development needs across various sectors.

El Mansouri was designated Head of Government on September 29 following the September legislative elections, in which her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the largest number of seats. PAM subsequently formed a governing coalition with the Istiqlal Party, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) and the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS). Together, the four parties hold 210 of the 395 seats in parliament.

The new cabinet comprises 32 members, including seven women. Fourteen members of the outgoing 31-member government have retained their positions, including El Mansouri, Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit.

Fouzi Lekjaa, who previously served as Minister Delegate in Charge of the Budget and also heads the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has been promoted to Minister of Economy, Finance and Public Performance.

Following her audience with King Mohammed VI on Friday, El Mansouri expressed confidence in the new administration’s ability to deliver an ambitious government programme that meets citizens’ expectations.

The September elections were marked by the lowest voter turnout in nearly two decades, amid public concerns over the rising cost of living, unemployment and social inequality. Addressing these challenges is expected to be a major priority for the incoming government, alongside preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Born in Marrakech on January 3, 1976, El Mansouri previously served as Minister of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy from 2021 to 2026. She holds a certificate in Anglo-Saxon law from Pace University in the United States, a postgraduate diploma in business contract law from the University of Montpellier in France, and a bachelor’s degree in private law from Mohammed V University in Rabat. She has practised law at the Marrakech Bar since March 2005.

El Mansouri entered politics in 2007 as a member of the Movement of All Democrats and became a founding member of PAM in 2008. She served as president of the Marrakech communal council from 2009 to 2015 and was a member of parliament from 2011 to 2016. She later chaired PAM’s National Council from 2015 to 2024 and returned to parliament for the 2016–2021 term.

Since 2021, she has headed the Marrakech communal council, while since 2024 she has coordinated PAM’s collegial leadership.

In 2014, Forbes included El Mansouri among Africa’s 20 most influential young women, and she was also named a Young Global Leader that year.