Moroccan Government to Tackle Key Economic and Social Issues in Upcoming Meeting
The Moroccan government, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is set to convene this Thursday to address a range of crucial economic and social matters. The meeting promises to be a busy one, with a packed agenda covering everything from judicial leave policies to international agreements and high-level appointments.
One of the key items on the agenda is a series of four draft decrees. The first aims to clarify the specific types of exceptional leave available to judges, including guidelines on qualifying medical conditions for medium and long-term sick leave. This is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of the judiciary and maintaining the smooth operation of the court system. A similar focus on supporting public servants is evident in the second decree, which proposes adjustments to the compensation framework for educators involved in continuing education and professional development programs within the Ministry of National Education. Investing in teacher training is widely recognized as a key driver of improved educational outcomes, and this decree suggests a commitment to enhancing these programs. (For more on the importance of teacher training, see [link to a relevant resource, e.g., a UNESCO report on teacher development]).
The third decree tackles the critical issue of minimum wage. It proposes updates to the legal minimum wage for both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. This is a particularly important topic in the context of global economic fluctuations and the rising cost of living. Setting a fair minimum wage is essential for protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring a basic standard of living. (Data on Morocco’s current minimum wage and comparisons to other countries could be added here, citing sources like the World Bank or ILO). the fourth decree focuses on refining the application of Value Added Tax (VAT), as outlined in the third section of the General Tax Code. VAT is a significant source of government revenue, and adjustments to its implementation can have wide-ranging impacts on businesses and consumers.
Beyond domestic policy, the government will also be reviewing two significant international agreements. The first is a tax treaty with Chad, signed in Dakhla on August 14, 2024, designed to prevent double taxation and tax evasion on income. Such agreements are crucial for fostering international trade and investment by providing clarity and predictability for businesses operating across borders. The second agreement concerns social security and was signed with South Korea in Seoul on June 2, 2024. These agreements often facilitate the movement of workers between countries and ensure that individuals can access social security benefits regardless of where they reside or work. Both agreements will be accompanied by draft laws for ratification, solidifying Morocco’s commitment to international cooperation.
The meeting will conclude with discussions on high-level appointments, as per Article 92 of the Constitution, and a closed-door session to deliberate on proposed legislation. This suggests that significant personnel changes and legislative developments may be on the horizon. The government’s focus on these diverse issues underscores its commitment to addressing both immediate concerns and long-term strategic goals for the benefit of all Moroccans.
