Morocco Unveils Plan to Tackle Speculation and Intermediaries

The Moroccan government has announced a comprehensive plan to tackle speculation and intermediaries in the country's food markets. The plan, unveiled by Prime Minister Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, aims to reduce the influence of speculators and intermediaries who drive up prices and profit from the system. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to restore social balance and protect citizens' purchasing power. El Mansouri presented the plan as part of her government's program for the 2026-2031 legislative term.

The plan focuses on structural and legal measures to regulate wholesale markets and review the current system of agents. The government aims to reduce the multiple layers of intermediation that drive up prices before goods reach local markets. Additionally, the plan includes exceptional protective measures, such as temporarily restricting exports of strategic agricultural and food products to ensure a stable supply to the national market. This move is designed to prevent speculators from taking advantage of shortages to raise prices.

The government's efforts to combat speculation and intermediaries also involve a crackdown on illicit enrichment and conflict of interest. El Mansouri emphasized that her government will work to complete the national integrity system, particularly by criminalizing illicit enrichment and punishing conflict of interest. The government will also strengthen asset disclosure requirements and prohibit information leaks to obtain privileges. These measures are in line with Article 36 of the Constitution.

The plan to regulate intermediaries has been welcomed by many Moroccans who are struggling with high living costs. The country's Competition Council has reported that intermediaries' profit margins account for around 34% of the final price of fruits and vegetables, while producers receive only 30%. This has led to calls for greater transparency and regulation in the market. The government faces a significant challenge in dismantling entrenched networks of interests in the informal economy.

El Mansouri stressed that institutions will not regain public trust without a genuine fight against corruption and conflict of interest. She announced that her government will launch a structural reform to organize markets and combat monopolies and speculative intermediation. The government will work with the Competition Council to implement the necessary mechanisms and tools. The plan also includes measures to monitor public contracts and prevent collusion in tender requests.

The government's program aims to promote fair competition and support small and medium-sized enterprises. El Mansouri announced that public contractors will be required to allocate 30% of their contract value to Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises. This measure is designed to boost production and integration. The government also plans to introduce a system to monitor and control prices to prevent speculation.

The success of the government's plan will depend on its ability to implement the proposed measures effectively. Moroccans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping that the plan will lead to lower prices and greater transparency in the market. The government's efforts to tackle speculation and intermediaries are seen as a crucial step towards restoring trust in institutions and promoting economic growth.

Key points

• The Moroccan government has announced a plan to regulate intermediaries and curb speculation in food markets.
• The plan aims to reduce the influence of speculators and intermediaries who drive up prices and profit from the system.
• The government faces a significant challenge in dismantling entrenched networks of interests in the informal economy.