The Presidium of the Government Majority held its ordinary meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, President of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), Mr. Abdellatif Ouahbi, Secretary-General of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and Mr. Nizar Baraka, Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party (PI), with the presence of the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, Ministers, and members of the parliamentary groups of the three parties in both houses, alongside the participation of Mr. Mohamed Joudar, Secretary-General of the Constitutional Union Party (supporting the government), on Monday evening, November 13, 2023, in Rabat.
The meeting addressed various issues related to the political, economic, and social context in our country, as well as examining ways to strengthen cooperation between the Government and all components of the parliamentary majority.
Following an in-depth, comprehensive, and objective discussion, the Presidium of the Government Majority notes the following:
First: The majority recalls the contents of the High Royal Speech on the 48th anniversary of the Glorious Green March, in which His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, called for optimizing our country’s capabilities, especially in the Moroccan Sahara, by envisioning a new generation of structural and logistical projects and relying on a strong, competitive national merchant fleet. This will transform our southern provinces into a hub for African and Atlantic economies, a strategic window to European and American markets, and a space for human connection, economic integration, and continental radiation.
It also praises His Majesty’s insightful vision aiming to launch a new development momentum in our southern provinces through a maritime economy focused on off-shore natural resource exploration, continued investment in fisheries, and seawater desalination to boost agricultural activities, promote the blue economy, support renewable energy, and advance coastal and desert tourism.
In the same context, the government majority reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the spirit of the Green March in continuing development under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the Moroccan Sahara, which has experienced significant growth, particularly following the adoption of the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces.
Second: The majority expresses its satisfaction with UN Security Council Resolution 2703 on the Moroccan Sahara, commending its praise for our country's efforts and the positive developments in the positions of influential UN member states. This reinforces the autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole strategic political option to resolve this artificial conflict. It also notes the clear identification of the parties to the political process who must assume their responsibilities, primarily Algeria, which was mentioned six times in the resolution.
Third: The majority confirms its unity behind His Majesty in maintaining full mobilization to defend our territorial integrity and counter opposition maneuvers. In this regard, it strongly condemns the criminal attack targeting a residential neighborhood in the city of Smara with explosive projectiles, which resulted in the death of an innocent Moroccan citizen and injured three others, emphasizing that firm measures must be taken against anyone attempting to compromise the security and stability of the Kingdom.
Fourth: The majority condemns the military aggression against the Gaza Strip and the targeting of defenseless civilians, which has created a human catastrophe, thousands of casualties, and widespread destruction. It calls for an immediate end to the war on Gaza, international intervention to protect civilians, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and the establishment of a political horizon leading to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. It highly appreciates the efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Qods Committee, in safeguarding the Holy City.
Fifth: The majority expresses its deep appreciation for the High Royal Letter addressed to the Head of Government regarding the revision of the Family Code, expressing full commitment to ensuring the success of this major societal reform.
Sixth: The majority commends the Government’s adherence to the Royal agenda for deploying the social protection project on schedule, starting with universalizing the Mandatory Health Insurance (AMO) at the end of 2022, and transitioning to the direct social support program for families by the end of this year with a budget of 35 billion MAD for 2024.
Seventh: The majority highly values the consultative meeting held by the Head of Government with parliamentary majority and opposition parties regarding direct social assistance, demonstrating a serious commitment to constructive political dialogue.
Eighth: The majority commends the Government's approval of the decree providing direct financial aid ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 MAD for primary home purchases, helping citizens achieve homeownership, supporting purchasing power, and stimulating the housing sector and local businesses.
Ninth: The majority highlights the provisions of the 2024 Finance Bill, which reflects the social orientation of the Government to consolidate the social state through measures aimed at improving family living standards, reforming healthcare and education, and encouraging informal businesses to integrate into the formal economy.
Tenth: The majority praises the Government’s efforts to reform the public school system through a participatory approach with representative trade unions, highlighting the decision to form a ministerial committee to oversee ongoing dialogue regarding the new status for education sector workers to ensure equity and quality education.
Finally: The majority commends the significant work of the parliamentary majority groups in both houses in terms of oversight and legislation, while acknowledging the constructive role played by opposition parties in strengthening the country’s democratic path under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Issued in Rabat on Monday, November 13, 2023.
