Moroccan MPs demand action on right to inform amid cybersecurity concerns

Ya Biladi

06-05-2025

On Monday, May 5, the parliamentary group of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) expressed concern over the lack of scheduled speaking slots under the «right to inform», as outlined in Article 163 of the House of Representatives' internal regulations. Mustapha Ibrahimi pointed out that «under the two previous governments, this right was exercised four times during each weekly oral question session, whereas under the current government, it has been used only four times since the start of this legislature». He noted that his group had specifically requested to speak about the cyberattack targeting the CNSS database.
In a surprising turn, the PAM group—part of the ruling majority—backed the Islamists' request. Ahmed Touizi, head of the PAM's parliamentary group, called on the Akhannouch government to respond to MPs' requests to speak at the end of oral question sessions. «The majority is not afraid», he declared emphatically.
Article 163 of the lower house's internal rules defines this right: «Deputies may speak at the end of the weekly oral question session to address a topic of general and urgent interest that should be brought to the attention of national public opinion. The president of the parliamentary group must notify the President of the House in writing of any such request at least twenty-four hours before the session begins».
The article further states: «The government may provide data, statements, and clarifications on the issues raised. A total of sixteen minutes is allocated for this purpose. The number of speakers is limited to two from the opposition and two from the majority, alternating between parliamentary groups, while respecting the rights of unaffiliated representatives. Based on these criteria, the Bureau establishes the list of speakers before each session. Each topic is presented in a two-minute intervention».