Unveiling Morocco’s Draft Bill: A Comprehensive Look at the Proposed National Agency

Unveiling Morocco’s Draft Bill: A Comprehensive Look at the Proposed National Agency

A Paradigm Shift in Governance

In an effort to advance the country’s development model, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has initiated a significant shift in governance. A draft bill, set to be presented at the parliamentary opening in October, will determine the mission and functions of the proposed National Agency. According to Redouane Amimi, a political scientist and professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, the agency will act under the supervision of the head of government and function as a public institution carrying out tasks of general interest, under the control of the State or the local authority it depends on.

The Role of the National Agency

The proposed National Agency is tasked to oversee construction work, manage allocated funds, and set priorities for various projects in partnership with the government. The agency is envisioned as an efficient and reliable tool for the State, capable of addressing the challenges of rehabilitating and developing disaster-stricken regions in accordance with a five-year plan. A robust budget of 120 billion dirhams will be dedicated to this five-year plan. Notably, the Agency’s life span is extraordinary as it will be dissolved after five years of operation.

Supervision and Control Mechanisms

To ensure optimal management of the agency’s mission, several mechanisms can be activated by the State. These include supervision by the head of government and regulation by the Minister of Economy and Finance, along with oversight by the Parliament and its committees, such as those of the economy and finance and the control of public finances. During the drafting of the bill, it is expected that elected officials will propose a provision inviting the future director of the agency to appear before Parliament whenever the situation merits it, further ensuring transparency and efficient performance of the agency.

Implications for Morocco’s Economy

The formation of the National Agency is a significant step towards realizing Morocco’s new development model. With aims to create 2,500 job opportunities in two years and boost investment in health and education sectors, the proposed bill reflects a responsible, forward-thinking approach to governance. According to predictions, Morocco is expected to experience an economic growth rate of 5.7% this year. This growth will be supported by public investments, with the government announcing an economic plan allocating 245 billion dirhams.

Impact on Social Welfare

The new measures proposed by the government aim to reform the economy through the construction of a social state, create an effective system to support vulnerable families, restructure the health system, and carry out a series of reforms in Moroccan public education. In the social sphere, new measures are aimed at granting 2.7 million dirhams to people over 65 years of age, a sector of the population of which 68% have no retirement benefits. The government has committed to creating at least one million jobs, reducing regional disparities, and accelerating the pace of digital transformation, all of which are expected to stimulate the national economy for the benefit of employment.

Conclusion

The draft bill on the National Agency represents a significant shift in Morocco’s governance and development model, aiming to address economic, social, and infrastructural challenges through a planned, centralized approach. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its implications for Morocco’s economy, society, and public sector will be closely watched.