Moroccan Government to Address Key Reforms in Upcoming Session
The Moroccan government, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is set to convene on Thursday to discuss a series of significant decree drafts and high-level appointments. This session promises to address key areas impacting various sectors, from prison administration to investment procedures.
Streamlining Bureaucracy for Investment and Development
A core focus of the meeting will be on streamlining administrative processes, particularly those related to investment projects. One proposed decree aims to amend existing regulations concerning administrative decisions required for investment projects, with the goal of reducing processing time. This move aligns with Morocco’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and improve its ease of doing business ranking. According to the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business report (the most recent available at the time of certain data collection efforts, though more recent data may exist), Morocco ranked 53rd globally, indicating room for improvement in areas like dealing with construction permits and enforcing contracts. These proposed changes could significantly impact the efficiency and attractiveness of the Moroccan investment landscape. Another decree seeks to clarify procedures for extending legal deadlines when technical expertise or public research is necessary, further contributing to a more predictable and efficient regulatory environment. A final decree related to administrative decisions addresses the concept of “implicit approval,” where administrative silence after a specified period is considered tacit consent. This clarification aims to reduce ambiguity and facilitate smoother project implementation.
Modernizing Public Services: Focus on Regional Management
Beyond investment procedures, the government will also address the structure and organization of key public services. Several decrees propose the establishment of new regional directorates, reflecting a move towards decentralized governance. These include directorates for:
Tourism, Traditional Industries, Social and Solidarity Economy, Youth, Culture, and Communication: This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these sectors and aims to foster regional development through a more holistic strategy.
Trade, Industrial and Extractive Production, and Economic Integration: This directorate will likely play a crucial role in promoting regional economic growth and diversification.
* Equipment, Water, Transport, and Logistics: This directorate will be responsible for crucial infrastructure development, essential for supporting economic activity and improving the quality of life for citizens.
These structural changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of public services at the regional level, bringing governance closer to the people.
Strengthening the Prison System
The meeting will also address the prison system, with a decree focusing on the statute of prison administration staff and reintegration efforts. This is a crucial area for any society, and improvements here can have a significant impact on public safety and the successful reintegration of former inmates back into society. Research consistently shows that effective rehabilitation programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates.
High-Level Appointments on the Horizon
the government will consider proposals for high-level appointments, in accordance with Article 92 of the Moroccan Constitution. These appointments will play a key role in shaping the direction of various government bodies and implementing the reforms discussed during the session.
This upcoming government session signals a commitment to modernizing public services, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and strengthening key sectors of the Moroccan economy. The proposed reforms have the potential to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and improved well-being for all Moroccans.
