Historical first in Morocco: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was appointed to form a government

This was a first in Morocco's political history. King Mohammed VI gave the task of forming the government to Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, the national coordinator of the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM), which came first in the parliamentary elections. Thus, El Mansouri became the first woman in the history of the country to be prepared to assume the post of prime minister.

Al Mansouri was received by King Mohammed VI at the royal palace in Rabat. In the statement made by the Royal Palace, it was reported that the official assignment to establish the new government was given to El Mansouri.

PAM, which came first in the elections, won 97 seats in the 395-seat House of Representatives. However, since this number is not enough to form a government on its own, El Mansouri will need to reach an agreement with his coalition partners.

Another striking result of the elections was the low participation rate. While participation in the ballot box remained at 38 percent, this rate was recorded as the lowest level in the last 20 years.

El Mansouri's premiership will function alongside a strong royal authority due to the current system of governance in Morocco. A significant part of the decisive powers in the country's foreign policy, security and basic strategic areas are in the hands of King Mohammed VI.

FROM MARRAKESH MUNICIPALITY TO THE PRIME MINISTRY

50-year-old lawyer Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has long been known as one of the prominent female figures in Moroccan politics.

El Mansouri, who has been in the party since PAM's establishment in 2008, was elected Mayor of Marrakech in 2009, when he was only 33 years old. Thus, she became the city's first female mayor.

While El Mansouri was elected Mayor of Marrakech for the second time in 2021, he served as Minister of Housing in the previous government led by Aziz Akhannouch. He was elected as a member of parliament in the elections held on September 23.

PAM, on the other hand, was founded by Fouad Ali El Himma, one of the King's former advisors, and El Himma left the party management in 2011.

Economic and social problems are among the most important issues facing El Mansouri. The new government is expected to take steps especially regarding the cost of living, unemployment and citizens' trust in the political system.

During the election campaign, PAM promised to take measures to achieve an average annual economic growth of 5 percent, reduce inflation to 2 percent and protect purchasing power.

The party also announced that it aims to create at least 1 million new jobs.

NEW BALANCES IN PARLIAMENT

The election results also significantly changed the balance of power in Moroccan politics.

PAM finished the elections in first place, leaving behind the two major parties in the previous government coalition.

The National Union of Independents (RNI), led by outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, remained in 66 seats, losing 30 seats compared to the previous election.

The Independence Party gained 65 seats in the parliament.

The Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which is in the opposition, achieved one of the remarkable rises of the elections. PJD, which placed the fight against corruption at the center of its election campaign, increased the number of its deputies from 13 to 54.

However, PJD Secretary General Abdelilah Benkirane announced in his statement after the elections that his party would not take part in the coalition government to be formed.