Morocco's King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first female prime minister, following her party's victory in last week's parliamentary elections. Mansouri, 50, becomes the second woman in the Arab world to lead a government.
El Mansouri, who has served as mayor of Marrakesh for over a decade, was chosen over fellow party member Fouzi Lekjaa. Her party, Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), secured 97 out of 395 seats, falling short of a majority but positioning her to form a coalition government.
Mansouri's appointment marks a significant shift in Moroccan politics, as she will need to navigate complex negotiations to secure a majority. The new government faces challenges including inflation, job creation, and preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Mansouri's role as a leader in a historically male-dominated political landscape highlights ongoing gender dynamics in the region, with her appointment seen as a step toward greater female representation in governance.