Abbas El Fassi served as the Prime Minister of Morocco from 19 September 2007 until 29 November 2011, following the electoral success of the Istiqlal Party. His tenure represented a significant period for the nation, capping a lengthy career in government service, diplomacy, and party administration that spanned several decades of the country's modern political history.
Early Career and Education
Born in Berkane on 18 September 1940, El Fassi completed his higher education at Mohammed V University. He began his professional path as a lawyer before transitioning into public office. His initial ministerial roles included serving as the Minister of Housing between 1977 and 1981, followed by a term as the Minister of Handicraft and Social Affairs from 1981 to 1985.
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El Fassi represented Moroccan interests abroad during several key postings. From 1985 until 1990, he held the dual role of ambassador to Tunisia and the Arab League. He subsequently relocated to Paris, where he served as the ambassador of Morocco to France from 1990 to 1994. His time in France coincided with diplomatic tensions following the publication of the political pamphlet Notre ami, le roi by Gilles Perrault, which criticized human rights conditions in Morocco.
Political Leadership
Within the Istiqlal Party, El Fassi exerted significant influence, holding the position of general secretary from 1998 to 2012. After the party secured victory in the parliamentary elections held on 7 September 2007, King Mohammed VI appointed him as prime minister. He oversaw a cabinet formed on 15 October 2007, which consisted of 33 members drawn from five political parties: Istiqlal, the Mouvement Populaire, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, the National Rally of Independents, and the Party of Progress and Socialism.
Government Tenure
Before ascending to the premiership, El Fassi held various cabinet-level positions. He served as the Minister of Employment, Professional Training, Social Development and Solidarity between 2000 and 2002. Subsequently, he acted as a Minister of State within the government led by Driss Jettou, serving in that capacity from 2002 until 2007.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 September 1940, Berkane
- Political Party: Istiqlal
- Prime Minister of Morocco: 2007–2011
- Ambassador to France: 1990–1994
- General Secretary: 1998–2012
- Education: Mohammed V University
- Language proficiency: French and Arabic
Questions readers ask
Did Abbas El Fassi serve in the cabinet before becoming Prime Minister?
Yes, he held several ministerial roles including Minister of Housing, Minister of Handicraft and Social Affairs, and Minister of Employment, Professional Training, Social Development and Solidarity.
Which international awards has he received?
He is a recipient of the Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Throne, which he received in 2014.
Achievements
- ambassador of Morocco to France (1990–1994)
- Prime Minister of Morocco (2007–2011)
- general secretary (1998–2012)
- ambassador of Morocco to Tunisia
- Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Throne — 2014
- Educated at Mohammed V University
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