Moderate Islamists dominate new Moroccan cabinet

The leader of Morocco’s new moderate Islamist government has named his cabinet – the first time it has not been chosen by the king.

Abdelilah Benkirane was asked to form a government after his PJD party won the biggest share of the seats in parliamentary elections.

The new 31-member cabinet contains just one woman, introduced to King Mohammed along with the rest of the team. Bassima Hakkaoui will run the social and women’s affairs ministry. The previous government had four women.

Benkirane has forged an alliance with two conservative parties close to the monarchy. A reform programme aims to reduce the king’s sweeping powers in response to pressure to introduce a constitutional monarchy, and head off a potential revolt in the wake of the Arab spring.

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