Morocco appoints first government led by a woman prime minister

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has formally appointed a new government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, marking the first time in the country’s history that a woman has become prime minister.

The appointment took place on Friday after September elections in which the Authenticity and Modernity Party emerged as the leading party. El Mansouri’s party has formed a coalition with the Istiqlal party and two smaller left-wing parties.

Together, the four coalition parties control 210 of the Moroccan parliament’s 395 seats, giving the new administration a parliamentary majority.

Cabinet continuity and changes

Thirteen of the 31 ministers from the previous government have been retained. Nasser Bourita remains minister of foreign affairs, while Abdelouafi Laftit continues as minister of the interior.

Fouzi Lekjaa, who served as a budget minister in the outgoing administration, has been promoted to economy minister. Lekjaa was also known as the head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

The new cabinet includes seven women, including El Mansouri. The previous government also included seven women.

Economic and social challenges

The incoming government will face concerns over the cost of living, employment and inequality. The September election recorded the lowest turnout in nearly 20 years, according to the source.

Following her royal audience, El Mansouri said she wanted an “ambitious government programme that can meet citizens’ expectations.”

Her administration will also oversee preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.