The Mauritanian parliament approved the government program of Prime Minister Mochtar Ould Ajay late on Tuesday, with 145 lawmakers voting in favor and 21 against. The session, chaired by Deputy Mohamed Bamba Megt, lasted over 12 hours and involved discussions on the government's general policy. A total of 82 lawmakers made interventions, with the ruling party, the Ennahda, accounting for most of them due to its comfortable majority.
The parliament's approval process was introduced in 2012 constitutional amendments and first implemented in the 2018-2023 parliamentary term. According to Article 42 of the Mauritanian Constitution, the Prime Minister, appointed by the President, must present their government's program within a month. The vote of confidence is a crucial step in the government's formation, and Ould Ajay's administration has secured the highest vote of confidence in such sessions.
The government's program outlines its priorities and policies for the next term. Although details of the program are not publicly available, it is expected to focus on key areas such as economic development, social welfare, and infrastructure. The approval process involved lawmakers from various parties, including those supporting President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
President El Ghazouani, who took office in 2019, has been working to strengthen his administration and implement key reforms. The approval of Ould Ajay's government program is seen as a significant step in this process. The Prime Minister's government has promised to address pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and healthcare.
The vote of confidence was seen as a test of the government's legitimacy and stability. With a significant majority in favor, Ould Ajay's administration is expected to push forward with its agenda. The government will now focus on implementing its policies and delivering on its promises to the Mauritanian people.
The opposition parties have expressed their concerns and reservations about the government's program. However, with a clear majority in favor, the government is likely to move forward with its plans. The international community has welcomed the development, seeing it as a positive step towards stability and progress in Mauritania.
The approval of Ould Ajay's government program marks a significant milestone in Mauritania's democratic process. The country has made progress in consolidating its democratic institutions, and this development is seen as a key aspect of that process. The government will now need to deliver on its promises and address the challenges facing the country.
Key points
- The Mauritanian parliament granted a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Ould Ajay's government with 145 votes in favor.
