Fatima-Zahra Mansouri becomes Morocco’s first female prime minister

Fatima-Zahra Mansouri has become the first woman to serve as prime minister in Morocco, marking a historic milestone after a political journey that took her from a legal career and local government in Marrakech to parliament, the cabinet, and leadership of the Authenticity and Modernity Party. Her appointment follows her party's victory in the legislative elections, making her rise to the premiership a new chapter in her political trajectory.

The formation of the Moroccan government is based on Article 47 of the constitution, which stipulates that the king appoints the prime minister from the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives, according to the election results.

From law to mayor of Marrakech

Born in 1976 in Marrakech, Mansouri studied law before completing further training in France and the United States. She returned to Morocco to practice law, gradually moving into politics and rising within the Authenticity and Modernity Party.

Marrakech was a key stage in her political ascent; in 2009, she was elected mayor, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the city. After her initial term, she returned as president of the Marrakech municipal council in 2021, coinciding with her move to the national government as minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy.

From parliament to cabinet and party leadership

Mansouri expanded her national profile as a member of the House of Representatives before joining the government in 2021, where she led the Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy—a portfolio closely associated with her name during her time in office. She also strengthened her position within the Authenticity and Modernity Party, becoming one of its most prominent leaders.

Her political experience spans local governance in Marrakech, parliamentary work, ministerial responsibility, and involvement in housing, urban renewal, and city planning issues.

By becoming prime minister, Mansouri moves from leading one of Morocco’s major cities and holding parliamentary and ministerial roles, as well as party leadership, to heading the executive branch—setting a precedent as the first woman to reach this position in Morocco.