Morocco's king appoints first woman prime minister in historic move

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the nation's first woman prime minister. The historic appointment occurred on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following parliamentary elections held on September 23, where her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the highest number of seats. El Mansouri's new role marks a significant milestone for women's political leadership in Morocco and makes her the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world.

El Mansouri, a 50-year-old lawyer, previously held positions as urban planning minister and mayor of Marrakesh. Her primary task will be to form a coalition government, as her party did not achieve an outright majority in the 395-seat House of Representatives.

The incoming government faces a range of domestic challenges, including addressing unemployment, managing the cost of living, and tackling social disparities, particularly among young people. Additionally, Prime Minister El Mansouri will oversee Morocco's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.