Morocco's first female PM takes office amid youth unemployment crisis

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has assumed office as Morocco's first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone for the North African nation. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture as the country grapples with mounting economic pressures and social inequality.

El Mansouri's cabinet has outlined an ambitious agenda centred on restoring public confidence, particularly among younger citizens who face limited employment opportunities. Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing concerns confronting her administration, with widespread frustration over job scarcity and limited economic mobility.

Beyond employment challenges, the new government must contend with surging living costs that have strained household budgets across the country. Inflation and increased prices for essential goods have compounded existing hardships for ordinary Moroccans, threatening social stability.

The cabinet also faces the complex task of narrowing persistent economic and social disparities that have long divided Morocco's regions and communities. Analysts note that El Mansouri's success will largely depend on her government's ability to translate campaign promises into concrete policy outcomes that tangibly improve conditions for vulnerable populations, particularly youth and lower-income families.