Fatima Zahra El Mansouri has been appointed as Morocco's first female prime minister following her party's success in the recent parliamentary elections. This milestone makes her only the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world, after Tunisia's Najla Bouden. El Mansouri, a lawyer and former mayor of Marrakesh, will need to form a coalition to secure a governing majority in the parliament.
Despite her significant political role, El Mansouri has not prominently advocated for women's rights during her career. Her appointment reflects a notable shift in Moroccan politics, as she navigates the complexities of coalition-building in a system where the king retains substantial power over governance decisions.
El Mansouri's coalition-building will be crucial as she navigates a fragmented parliament. Watch for her approach to balancing party interests while addressing pressing social issues, including women's rights, which have been sidelined in her past rhetoric.