Moroccan Interior Minister Warns of Continued Terrorist Threats

Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Lftit warned that despite no recent terrorist attacks, the country still faces significant threats. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to address various security challenges. Lftit made these remarks while presenting the 2027 budget for his ministry, which totals 58.7 billion dirhams. This includes 48.66 billion dirhams for operating expenses and 10.04 billion dirhams for investment.

The minister highlighted the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to monitoring and addressing potential threats. This approach involves identifying and neutralizing risks before they can escalate into attacks. Lftit also stressed the need to continue efforts to prevent extremism and protect young people from hate speech and violence. This includes promoting values of moderation, tolerance, and reinforcing the country's unifying constants.

Lftit revealed that his ministry's budget for 2027 will focus on continuing institutional reforms and modernizing territorial administration. This includes launching new integrated development programs aimed at reducing regional and social disparities. The minister also announced an increase in state transfers to regional budgets, from 10 to 12 billion dirhams per year, starting in 2027. This move aims to enhance the financial capabilities of regions and enable them to play a greater role in achieving economic and social development.

The Interior Ministry will continue to provide financial and technical support to local authorities. The goal is to develop local governance mechanisms, accelerate the transfer of competencies, and empower decision-making at the territorial level. This is part of the gradual implementation of the administrative decentralization project. Lftit also reviewed the achievements of the National Initiative for Human Development, highlighting the allocation of nearly 698 million dirhams to address infrastructure and basic service shortages in less equipped areas.

The minister announced that 500 million dirhams will be allocated to support people in vulnerable situations, including abandoned children, street children, homeless youth, people with disabilities, and elderly individuals with limited financial resources. In terms of economic integration for young people, Lftit's ministry has provided training programs benefiting over 3,000 young men and women. Additionally, 828 individuals have benefited from professional integration programs.

Lftit discussed the valuation of collective lands, revealing that his ministry has updated its strategy for the period 2026-2030. The goal is to convert these lands into a driver of economic and social development by encouraging investment and creating income-generating projects and job opportunities, particularly for young people and women. He reported that around 340 projects and income-generating activities are planned for 2026, benefiting nearly 26,500 individuals from indigenous groups.

The minister emphasized the ongoing efforts to digitize administrative processes and procedures at the local level. This aims to simplify services, reduce file processing times, and facilitate citizens' and businesses' access to administrative documents and services. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of public services and improve the quality of services provided to citizens.

Key points

• The 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry totals 58.7 billion dirhams.
• Lftit warns of continued terrorist threats despite no recent attacks.
• The state will increase transfers to regional budgets to 12 billion dirhams per year.