Latest news with #ChamberofCouncilors
Morocco World
23-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Justice Minister Ouahbi Proposes Judicial Document Delivery via Glovo
Marrakech – Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has proposed an unconventional solution to reduce crowding in Moroccan courts: using delivery platforms like Glovo to transport official judicial documents directly to citizens' homes. During an oral question session at the Chamber of Councilors on Tuesday, Ouahbi suggested that delivery services could bring court-issued documents such as criminal records, commercial registries, and nationality certificates straight to applicants' doorsteps. 'People will laugh at first, but they will end up benefiting from it,' Ouahbi stated confidently, acknowledging that even directors within his own ministry have mocked the idea. The minister, who is at the center of recent allegations of tax fraud following documents leaked by the Algerian hacker group Jabaroot, cited the overwhelming volume of document requests as justification for his proposal. 'Recently, we received more than 10,000 requests for criminal records in Casablanca alone,' he explained. Ouahbi drew inspiration from European models, particularly Portugal, where passports are delivered directly to citizens. He envisions motorcycle couriers ensuring secure distribution of documents to applicants' homes. Beyond administrative simplification, the minister sees this initiative as an employment opportunity for young people in urban logistics. 'This service, if well organized, could create numerous jobs while reducing queues in courts,' he said. While Ouahbi did not specify a timeline or concrete details for the project, he confirmed that partnering with a private company like Glovo remains a possibility, suggesting that discussions could be initiated soon. Glovo under fire This proposal comes amid ongoing issues surrounding Glovo in Morocco. On Monday, Glovo delivery workers protested in Casablanca against what they called a 'truncated' map of Morocco on the company's application that allegedly omitted the Sahara region. The protesters also expressed general dissatisfaction with their working conditions, including concerns about bearing all operational costs themselves while earning insufficient income. The demonstrations in Casablanca are part of several spontaneous gatherings that have occurred in different Moroccan cities since early July. Glovo Morocco responded the following day, explaining that the map issue was a 'technical anomaly' that occurred 'following a recent external update.' The company assured that the error had been addressed upon detection and that 'the map displays correctly on the application.' The company stated it operates 'across the entire national territory, from Tangier to Laayoune, with full respect for the Kingdom's territorial integrity.' Regarding the workers' concerns about lack of dialogue, Glovo Morocco contradicted this perception, stating it has 'always maintained an open dialogue policy with the courier community, provided it takes place in a respectful, constructive and transparent framework.' The company detailed that 'in recent weeks, exchange sessions were held with a hundred couriers in Casablanca in a constructive spirit.' During these meetings, Glovo claims to have 'presented and communicated concrete proposals aimed at improving the couriers' experience.' Founded in Barcelona in 2014, Glovo has rapidly expanded to become a major player in on-demand delivery. Now owned nearly 94% by German firm Delivery Hero, the company has established itself in several countries through massive fundraising, notably from Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund. Its economic model, based on the precarious status of delivery workers, faces mounting criticism. In June, European authorities fined Glovo €106 million for anti-competitive practices, including no-poaching agreements. Read also: Glovo Faces Antitrust Allegations in Morocco's Food Delivery Market Tags: Abdellatif Ouahbidelivery serviceGlovo in MoroccoMinister of Justice
Morocco World
09-07-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Overhauls Health Insurance System with New Unified Structure
Rabat — Morocco's Chamber of Councilors approved sweeping reforms to the country's basic health insurance system on Tuesday. The approval marks a significant step toward implementing King Mohammed VI's vision of universal social protection coverage. The new legislation, known as Bill 54.23, transforms how Morocco manages its mandatory health insurance (AMO) system. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced that this reform represents a major legislative turning point in strengthening social protection governance across the kingdom. Single management authority takes control The centerpiece of the reform places all basic health insurance schemes under one roof. The National Social Security Fund (CNSS) will now supervise the entire system, replacing the previous fragmented approach. Officials believe this unified management structure will boost both efficiency and transparency in healthcare delivery. 'This consolidation eliminates the confusion and delays that patients often faced when dealing with multiple insurance bodies,' ministry officials explained in their statement. Students and young adults see expanded coverage The new law eliminates the separate student insurance scheme while protecting existing beneficiaries' rights. However, young adults will benefit from extended coverage, as the age limit for dependents increases from 26 to 30 years old. This change means thousands of young Moroccans can remain on their parents' insurance plans for four additional years, providing crucial support during early career transitions. AMO Tadamon program gets clear guidelines The legislation clarifies access conditions for the 'AMO Tadamon' program, which serves citizens unable to afford insurance contributions. The bill maintains protections for public sector employees and their families while establishing clearer pathways for vulnerable populations to access healthcare. Smooth transition for mutual insurance companies Recognizing that change takes time, the law includes provisions for mutual insurance companies during the transition period. This ensures patients continue receiving care while the system prepares for an integrated, complementary insurance model. The reform also allows the managing authority to fund health prevention and awareness campaigns, connecting insurance management with broader public health initiatives. Building toward Health Dignity for all Ministry officials frame these changes as essential steps toward guaranteeing 'health dignity' for every Moroccan citizen, especially as it aligns with Framework Law 09.21, which mandates creating a single management body for social protection schemes and updating related legislation. Next steps in social protection expansion This health insurance reform forms part of King Mohammed VI's broader social protection expansion initiative, with a unified management structure that creates a foundation for future improvements in healthcare access, quality, and equity across Morocco.
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco to Deploy Signal Jammers to Combat Cheating in Baccalaureate Exams
Doha – Education Minister Mohamed Saïd Berrada announced Tuesday that his department plans to implement electronic solutions to combat cheating in baccalaureate examinations. The ministry is particularly looking at mobile phone jamming technology starting next academic year. Speaking at an oral questions session in the Chamber of Councilors, Berrada explained that cheating methods have become increasingly sophisticated. 'Some phones used are as small as a credit card, easy to conceal in a pocket, and the earpieces are almost invisible,' he said, pointing out the growing difficulty in identifying cheaters. To address this challenge, the ministry is exploring two approaches: either implementing electronic detection methods for these devices or neutralizing them through jammers that prevent their use during exams. During the May 2025 exam session, the ministry recorded 2,769 cases of cheating, a 12% decrease compared to the previous year. 'This figure remains concerning, even if it is relatively low compared to the approximately 495,395 candidates,' Berrada noted, adding that the majority of cases involved independent candidates. Of the total candidates, 67% came from public education institutions, 11% from private schools, and 22% were independent candidates. According to the minister, this year saw an increase of 2,000 candidates compared to 2024. The minister commended the smooth running of this year's regular baccalaureate session, ensuring that the tests were conducted under normal conditions. The results will be announced on Friday, June 14. He also noted the return to a stable educational framework after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and social movements in the education sector. This allowed for a return to reference frameworks covering the entire school curriculum. Among the key innovations was the adoption of anonymous electronic coding of exam papers, which aims to guarantee the integrity of examinations, reduce errors, and ensure rigorous day-to-day monitoring while preventing diploma falsification. According to Berrada, the digitization of procedures significantly strengthens the credibility of the baccalaureate. In terms of participation, 97% of enrolled students sat for the exams, compared to 64% of independent candidates. The session also saw the participation of 2,145 candidates with disabilities, of whom 538 benefited from specially arranged tests. Tailored subjects were also prepared for candidates from unstable countries such as Syria, for some African students, for sick candidates in hospitals, and for inmates. Special arrangements were made for approximately 2,000 candidates from correctional facilities. In total, more than 500 different subjects were developed for this session, a major logistical challenge. The ministry mobilized important human and logistical resources, with 50,000 teachers supervising the exams and 40,300 teachers correcting approximately 3.9 million exam papers. About 30,000 examination rooms were equipped in more than 2,000 educational institutions. To ensure organizational quality, examination venues were carefully selected and equipped with surveillance cameras. Coordination was also established with security services to secure the transport of exam materials and safeguard examination and correction centers. The ministry also prepared an emergency plan in coordination with territorial authorities in case of any unexpected events. 'The absence of leaks despite this volume testifies to the rigor of the system put in place by the ministry year after year,' concluded the minister. Read also: DGSN Arrests 118 for Baccalaureate Exam Cheating in Morocco Tags: BaccalaureateBaccalaureate ExamsMoroccan baccalaureate exams
Morocco World
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
France's Top MP Calls Southern Provinces a Regional ‘Success Model'
Doha – French Senate President Gérard Larcher said in Laâyoune on Monday evening that Morocco's Southern Provinces constitute 'a success model for the entire Sahelo-Saharan zone' as the region faces various tensions. The top French parliamentarian made the remark following his morning meeting with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita in Rabat, where he reaffirmed that France's position on the Sahara issue is 'non-discutable' and underscored that the French-Moroccan relationship is built on 'a deep history and friendship.' During his historic visit to Laâyoune, Larcher declared that France's new perspective on the Western Sahara dispute and the evolution of the French position is 'an obvious fact, a primary truth.' He stressed that 'this obvious fact has undergone a long maturation process.' According to Larcher, the Senate had early on worked toward a diplomatic initiative so that France, which has always supported Morocco in its existential challenges, would take into account developments since 2007 and set aside any ambiguity. France's support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole framework for resolution 'is acquired and constitutes the position of the French Republic's institutions in their diversity,' he argued. Larcher insisted that this support 'is not the result of a governmental policy. It now represents the policy of the French Republic.' He said he was impressed with the remarkable development the Laâyoune region has experienced in recent years, citing large-scale infrastructure projects, social facilities, and the constant pursuit of sustainable development. 'This model is part of Morocco's geostrategic vision and presents itself as an opportunity for opening up and development for the states surrounding the Kingdom,' Larcher pointed out. He announced the readiness of the Senate to make available to the North African country its experience in deconcentration and decentralization, proposing to advance cooperation between France and Morocco. 'Territorial communities present a rich potential for development and are a crucible for political, economic, and social cooperation in water management, transport, and digital transformation,' he stated. Larcher further spoke of the need to give new momentum to territorial diplomacy between French and Moroccan communities, arguing that any proposal to resolve the Sahara question should embrace the fact that Morocco's borders extend 'from Tangier to the confines of the Sahara.' For his part, Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the Chamber of Councilors, the upper house of the Moroccan parliament, expressed his great pride in this visit with profound significance. The visit constitutes not only a step to enhance achievements, but also a major historical event and an exceptional moment, marking a major turning point in bilateral relations, he reflected. It especially reflects 'our common and resolute will to contribute concretely to writing glorious pages in the new chapter opened by the Heads of State of both countries,' projected the Moroccan MP, referring to the state visit made to Morocco by French President Emmanuel Macron at the invitation of King Mohammed VI. Ould Errachid disclosed that the historical partnership between the two countries constitutes a unique model, praising the role of France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in pushing for a solution that permanently recognizes Morocco's full sovereignty over its southern provinces. The President of the French Senate is making an official visit to the country, leading a high-level delegation including the chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee in the Senate, Cédric Perrin. The delegation also includes the chairman of the France-Morocco friendship group, Christian Cambon, the President of the Union Centrist (UC) political group, Hervé Marseille, and the vice-president of the France-Morocco friendship group, Corinne Féret. Another slap to Algeria and its proxy militia Polisario The visit comes in the wake of France's formal recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region in July 2024, when President Macron officially stated that 'the present and future of the Western Sahara lies within Moroccan sovereignty.' Larcher's visit to Laâyoune is nothing short of a historic turning point, marking the most senior French parliamentary delegation to ever set foot in the Sahara. During his stay, he also announced plans to enhance France's diplomatic and consular presence in the region, including the launch of a new Alliance Française in Laâyoune. The visit has not gone unnoticed by Algeria, whose regime continues to fume at every step reinforcing Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara. As tensions between Paris and Algiers escalate, this visit delivers yet another blow to Algeria's relentless but futile attempts to obstruct Morocco's territorial integrity. Furious over any recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, Algerian authorities had already lashed out at French Culture Minister Rachida Dati's visit in February, labeling it 'of particular gravity' and 'condemnable on more than one count.' Now, with Larcher's high-profile visit, Algiers is expected to once again resort to its usual tantrums and diplomatic theatrics, desperately clinging to a lost cause. In October 2024, a UN Security Council resolution, supported by 12 of its 15 members, called for a 'realistic and mutually acceptable' solution to the Western Sahara dispute – language that many interpret as favorable to Morocco's autonomy proposal. Tags: France-Morocco relationsWestern sahara
