The historic appointment of a woman as prime minister of Morocco reveals the struggle over the kingdom's identity
The King of Morocco appointed Fatima Zahraa Al-Mansouri as prime minister, the first woman in the position in the country and the second in the Arab world. The historic appointment comes amid public apathy and low voter turnout, and symbolizes a struggle between modernization and conservatism.
On September 29, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Zahraa Al-Mansouri as prime minister, making Morocco the second country in the Arab world (after Tunisia) to appoint a woman as head of the executive branch. The appointment stirred excitement in an election characterized by public apathy, with an abstention rate of nearly 62% – the highest in 20 years. Al-Mansouri, 50, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) affiliated with the royal palace, previously served as mayor of Marrakech and minister of housing. Her powers are limited, as the king retains control over the interior and foreign ministries. However, she is expected to play a key role in the upcoming reform of the personal status code (Moudawana) and in hosting the 2030 World Cup, against a backdrop of youth protests and socio-economic tensions.