Morocco's king appoints first woman prime minister following election

King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country's first female prime minister. Her appointment follows a general election and a royal decree tasking her with forming a new government, likely a coalition. El Mansouri previously served as the mayor of Marrakesh and held a ministerial position in the outgoing administration.

This marks a significant moment for gender representation in Moroccan politics. While women have held ministerial roles before, El Mansouri's elevation to head of government is unprecedented in Morocco and represents the second instance of a woman leading a government in the Arab world. The appointment occurs amidst ongoing political realignments following the recent parliamentary elections.