As Morocco prepares to appoint a new head of government, attention is turning to the negotiations surrounding the formation of the new administration, set to be led by the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM). However, certain individuals will not be considered for ministerial positions, even if their parties join the coalition. This decision stems from a report by the Supreme Court of Accounts related to the "Al-Hassima, Beacon of the Mediterranean" program.
The 2017 royal decree, issued following the Supreme Court of Accounts' report, imposed severe penalties on several high-ranking officials and former ministers. The decree explicitly stated that those affected would not be entrusted with any official responsibilities in the future. This move was part of a broader effort to enforce accountability, as enshrined in Article 1 of the Moroccan Constitution. The decree named several prominent figures who would be barred from future government roles.
Among those excluded are Rashid Belmokhtar, former Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, a technocratic independent; Lahcen Haddad, former Minister of Tourism, currently with the Independence Party; and Lahcen Skouri, former Minister of Youth and Sports, also from the Popular Movement party. Other notable figures include Mohamed Amin Es-Sbahi, former Minister of Culture, from the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS); and Hakima Al-Hayti, former Minister of State for Environment, also from the Popular Movement.
The list of barred individuals also includes Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah, Secretary General of the PPS; Mohamed Hsadd, from the Popular Movement; Hussein Al-Wardi, from the PPS; and Al-Arabi Ben Sheikh, also from the Popular Movement. These exclusions will significantly impact the composition of the new government, as the PAM and its coalition partners must entirely exclude these individuals from ministerial considerations.
The 2017 royal decree was a direct response to findings from the Supreme Court of Accounts' report on the "Al-Hassima, Beacon of the Mediterranean" program. This program was marred by controversy and allegations of mismanagement. The decree underscored the government's commitment to accountability and transparency, reflecting a broader effort to reform and strengthen public institutions in Morocco.
As the PAM prepares to form the new government, these exclusions will play a significant role in shaping the administration's composition and policy agenda. The party must navigate these constraints while assembling a team capable of addressing Morocco's pressing challenges. The new government's priorities will likely be influenced by the need to demonstrate a commitment to good governance and accountability.
The formation of Morocco's new government will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. The PAM's ability to navigate these complexities and assemble an effective team will be crucial in determining the administration's success. With several key positions to fill, the party faces a significant challenge in balancing competing interests and priorities.
Key points
- A 2017 royal decree bars several high-profile figures from future ministerial roles in Morocco's government.
- The decree was issued in response to findings from the Supreme Court of Accounts' report on the "Al-Hassima, Beacon of the Mediterranean" program.
- The exclusions will significantly impact the composition of the new government, led by the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM).
