Morocco appoints first woman prime minister

Morocco has appointed its first woman prime minister after King Mohammed VI named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri to form a new government following the September 23 parliamentary election.

The king appointed El Mansouri on Tuesday, according to the royal palace. Her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 seats, the highest among the parties contesting the election.

El Mansouri, a lawyer, previously served as housing minister and mayor of Marrakech. She will now lead negotiations to form a coalition government and present the proposed cabinet to the king for approval.

The National Rally of Independents (RNI) won 66 seats, while Istiqlal secured 65. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), led by former prime minister Abdelilah Benkirane, won 54 seats and has said it will remain in opposition.

PAM does not have enough seats to form a government alone. El Mansouri had earlier said there would be no “red lines” in coalition negotiations, opening the way for talks with other parties.

The new government will face economic and social challenges, including widespread youth dissatisfaction and concerns over rising living costs. It will also oversee preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Morocco plans to invest about $20 billion in infrastructure and other projects ahead of the tournament.

Turnout in the September 23 election was about 38 per cent, compared with around 50 per cent in the previous election five years ago.

- MaT