Morocco took a historic step on Tuesday when King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Zahra Mansouri as prime minister, marking the first time a woman has held the position in the Muslim kingdom. Mansouri, 50, who previously served as the Urban Planning Minister and mayor of Marrakech, was charged with forming a new government following parliamentary elections held earlier this month.

Mansouri’s centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the highest number of seats in the elections, positioning her as the king’s choice to lead the next administration, in accordance with the Moroccan constitution. Although the monarch holds ultimate authority, the constitution requires him to appoint the prime minister from the party with the most parliamentary seats.

As Morocco’s second female prime minister in the Arab world—after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden—Mansouri faces the challenge of building a coalition government in the coming days. Her administration is expected to focus on fulfilling campaign promises related to economic growth, including combating inflation, raising wages, and increasing employment opportunities.

A significant aspect of Mansouri’s tenure will involve managing investments connected to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event anticipated to stimulate billions of dollars in infrastructure and development projects across Morocco and the broader region. Observers note that her government’s ability to deliver on both economic and social priorities will be critical to maintaining public confidence as Morocco navigates this period of transition.