Summer Hiatus Sparks Debate: Is the Moroccan Government on Vacation?
The Moroccan government has been noticeably absent from the public eye, with the last cabinet meeting held on July 24th. This extended summer break, lasting over a month, has drawn criticism from opposition parties who question the legal basis for such a prolonged absence.
While summer breaks are common in many countries, the Moroccan constitution, unlike that of some European nations, doesn’t explicitly grant government ministers vacation time. This legal grey area has fueled the opposition’s concerns, with some leaders likening the situation to a “government shutdown.” They argue that governing is a continuous responsibility, not a job with clearly defined vacation days.
Adding fuel to the fire, the opposition points to the lack of a clear legal framework outlining procedures for ministerial absences. While Article 14 of Organizational Law No. 065.13, which governs government operations, mandates at least one weekly cabinet meeting, it does allow for exceptions in the case of “extenuating circumstances.” However, the law doesn’t define these circumstances, leaving it open to interpretation.
The opposition argues that this lack of clarity allows the government to operate on ”custom,” relying on precedent rather than codified law. They highlight the fact that while the parliament has a constitutionally mandated recess period, it still allows for the operation of its nine standing committees. This, they argue, demonstrates a commitment to continuous governance that the current cabinet meeting hiatus lacks.
This debate raises important questions about government transparency and accountability. Should there be clearer legal guidelines regarding ministerial absences? How can the government ensure continuous and effective governance, even during holiday periods? As the summer break draws to a close, these questions are likely to take center stage in Moroccan politics.
