Moroccan Ministers’ Response to Parliament Questioned, Akhannouch Leads in Transparency
Morocco’s Ministers Show Mixed Record on Answering to Parliament, Akhannouch Leads the Pack
A recent report has shone a light on the varying levels of responsiveness from Moroccan government ministries when it comes to addressing parliamentary questions. Interestingly, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch stands out with the highest response rate among all ministers, clocking in at an impressive 47.62%.
This insightful report, compiled by the Moroccan civic engagement group “SamaSama – Participation Citoyenne,” provides a snapshot of the current government’s performance during this legislative session. It also highlights the increasingly important role that Parliament plays in holding the government accountable.
The ability of a parliament to effectively question and scrutinize the government is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. This “holding to account” ensures transparency and responsiveness from those in power. When ministers engage openly and honestly with parliamentary questions, it fosters trust and allows for a more informed public discourse.
While the report acknowledges Prime Minister Akhannouch’s commendable responsiveness, it also underscores the need for improvement across other ministries. A lack of timely and comprehensive responses can hinder the parliament’s ability to fulfill its oversight duties. This can lead to a disconnect between citizens and their elected representatives, potentially breeding apathy and distrust in the political process.
To illustrate the importance of parliamentary questioning, consider the United Kingdom. In 2022 alone, UK Members of Parliament submitted over 30,000 written questions to government ministers. These questions covered a wide range of issues, from healthcare and education to foreign policy and the environment. The answers provided by ministers are a matter of public record, allowing citizens to hold their elected officials accountable.
The SamaSama report serves as a timely reminder of the crucial role that open dialogue and accountability play in a thriving democracy. By striving for greater transparency and responsiveness, Morocco’s government can strengthen public trust and ensure that the voices of its citizens are heard.
