Morocco's King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as the country's first female prime minister, following the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) securing 97 seats in parliamentary elections. Mansouri, 50, becomes the second woman in the Arab world to lead a government, following Tunisia's Najla Bouden.
El Mansouri, a former mayor of Marrakesh and former minister, was chosen over football chief Fouzi Lekjaa by the king. PAM, which was founded in 2008, has been led by a collective since February 2024 and will need to form a coalition to reach an absolute majority of 198 seats.
Mansouri's government faces challenges including inflation, job creation, and preparing for Morocco's role in the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The party has expressed willingness to work with other parties, though some have indicated they will remain in opposition.
PAM's victory came amid low voter turnout, marking a significant shift in Moroccan politics as the party, which aims to counter Islamist movements, seeks to establish a new government.