Morocco: A Woman Heads the Government — Who Is Fatima Ezzahra El…

Lawyer, mayor of Marrakech, and former Minister of Housing Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri becomes the first woman to lead the Moroccan government. Appointed on September 29, 2026, she now must form her team. Her career blends local roots, proximity to the circles of power, and national responsibilities.

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri: A Lawyer Turned Marrakech Mayor

Born January 3, 1976 in Marrakech, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is 50 years old. She studied law in Rabat, then Montpellier in France, before completing her training in the United States. She joined the Marrakech Bar Association in 2005.
She grew up in a wealthy family close to ruling circles. Her father notably served as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. This background sheds light on her path: her ascent to power is also embedded in the networks of Morocco’s elite. (1)

In 2009, she becomes Marrakech’s first female mayor. She led the city until 2015, then regained the post in 2021. In the meantime, she served in Parliament and strengthened her influence within the Authenticity and Modernity Party, the PAM.

A new Prime Minister who must build a majority

Her nomination comes after the legislative elections on September 23. The PAM topped the vote with 97 seats. However, it remains far from an absolute majority. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri will therefore have to negotiate a coalition. Voter turnout, around 38%, also underscores a disconnect between some voters and the institutions. (2)

Her official title is “Head of Government.” King Mohammed VI appointed her under Article 47 of the Constitution. The text provides for a choice from the party that won the most seats in the House of Representatives. (4)

However, the monarchy retains substantial powers, notably in defense and foreign policy. Her actions will have to operate within this institutional framework. (2)

A Historic First, but Equality Remains a Work in Progress

The appointment of a woman to this post marks a significant milestone for Morocco. Yet this advance does not mean political representation has become equal.

According to Le Monde, women hold 107 of the 395 seats in the new House of Representatives. That’s about 27%, up from 24.3% in 2021. The progress exists, but men remain overwhelmingly the majority.

Housing, water and public services: everyday challenges

For households, her housing experience provides a concrete reference point. She led the direct aid program for acquiring a principal residence. In October 2025, she announced more than 71,000 beneficiaries. This figure describes a milestone in the program’s rollout, not its current status.

Her leadership will also be watched on employment, purchasing power, and public services. The next government will also need to accompany the preparations for the 2030 World Cup, organized with Spain and Portugal. (5)

For consoGlobe, these issues offer a framework to view her future term. How can accessible housing be reconciled with resource protection and reducing inequality? At this stage, her nomination does not prejudge the answers. The makeup of the government and its program will specify the choices.