Moroccan Mayors Face Dismissal Over Construction Permit Scandal
A wave of dismissals is expected to sweep through Moroccan local councils in the coming weeks as administrative courts consider numerous requests for the removal of mayors. These requests, submitted by local governors (عمال), stem from allegations of widespread tax evasion and corruption related to the issuance of building permits.
The heart of the issue lies in accusations of mayors issuing building permits without collecting the required fees, essentially depriving the government of significant tax revenue. Investigations, spurred by reports from local authorities, have uncovered a pattern of manipulated building permits. Serial numbers on documents reveal the illegal conversion of vast tracts of agricultural land into residential complexes and tourist resorts, all done without the knowledge or approval of urban planning agencies and regional authorities.
One example cited is the case of several communes within the Berrechid province, where a blatant disregard for regulations has come to light.
Further exacerbating the situation, some mayors have reportedly issued unofficial certificates, bypassing the standard registration processes overseen by the Ministry of
