Rabat – Asmaa Rhlalou stepped down as the mayor of Rabat on Wednesday, noting in a statement that her decision is for the “well-being” of the capital’s population.
Rhlalou has been facing a wave of criticism for her management of the city “deemed catastrophic and autocratic,” according to outlet Jeune Afrique.
“I preferred to prioritize the interest of the city and the citizens in the face of the municipal council deadlock that Rabat is experiencing,” the news outlet quoted her as saying.
Converging reports also said that the decision came following criticism of her decision to allocate a sum of money from the municipal budget to the Special Fund for the management of the effects of the Al Haouz earthquake.
Reports said that she took this decision without “respecting” the legal procedure.
Rahlalou, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) became the first female mayor of Rabat in September 2021, when the city’s council elected her with 58 votes.
It is yet to be known whether the local administration will approve Rhlalou’s resignation.
Rhlalou, a former journalist, holds a PhD in Economics and Business Law from the University of Perpignan in France.
She began her political career with the Istiqlal Party from 1997 to 2007, before joining RNI.
Rhlalou has also served as a member of the Finance and Economic Committee as well as a member of the World Water Council.
