Latest news with #GovernmentCouncil
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Moroccan Legal System Readies to Introduce Alternative Sentencing
Rabat — Morocco is set to implement a major judicial reform with the introduction of alternative sentencing measures. The move is aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and promoting the reintegration of offenders into society, said Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas. The decision is scheduled to come into effect at the end of August with the application of Law 43.22, representing a significant shift toward a more rehabilitative justice system. Speaking at a press briefing following the weekly Government Council on Thursday, Baitas stressed that the success of this reform hinges on the full involvement of all stakeholders in the justice system. This includes judges, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), all working under a new vision of justice focused on human rights and rehabilitation. Baitas described the upcoming enforcement of Law 43.22 as a 'clear and meaningful recognition of human rights,' providing legal avenues for non-custodial sentencing while protecting victims' rights and considering the severity of certain crimes. Read also: Government Approves Decree Making Alternative Sentencing in Morocco a Reality The new law outlines specific cases in which alternative sentences—such as community service, fines, or restrictions on certain activities—may be applied. However, it excludes serious crimes, including corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking, human organ trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, and repeat offenses. These remain subject to traditional custodial penalties. More than just legal adjustments, the reform is part of Morocco's broader effort to align its national legal framework with international human rights standards and recommendations from global bodies active in the fields of justice and crime prevention. Baitas emphasized that alternative sentencing also supports Morocco's response to the chronic issue of prison overcrowding. By offering solutions that focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, the law aims to ensure a more effective and humane justice system. The government has put in place a comprehensive legal framework to support the rollout, including Law 43.22 and Decree No. 2.25.386, which outlines how alternative sentences should be applied and the related procedures. The reform is in line with the High Directives of King Mohammed VI and represents a foundational step toward a modernized, rehabilitative, and rights-respecting penal system. Tags: Alternative sentencingbaitasMorocco alternative sentencing
Morocco World
21-07-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Moves to Lower Medicine Costs, Expand Local Production
Rabat — Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, on Monday presented to the House of Representatives an ambitious reform plan to overhaul the pricing system of medicines. The initiative forms part of the royal project to expand social protection and aims to improve access to affordable healthcare while strengthening Morocco's pharmaceutical sovereignty. Speaking during a question session at the lower house of parliament, Tahraoui outlined the key pillars of the reform, which include a structural revision of Morocco's pharmaceutical policy, expansion of local production, and modernization of supply chains. He stressed that the new pricing model seeks to ensure fairness in access to treatments, support citizens' purchasing power, and maintain the quality and availability of medicines at reasonable costs. The reform is anchored in the framework law 06.22 on the national health system, which establishes a policy guaranteeing the availability, quality, and affordability of health products. Tahraoui noted that drug expenditures continue to weigh heavily on both Moroccan households and public finances, particularly as the mandatory health coverage program has expanded. Between 2022 and 2024, reimbursements for medicines alone rose by 31%, he said. Recognizing these pressures, the government has made revising medicine pricing a strategic priority, balancing social and economic considerations. Over 30 consultation meetings have been held with key stakeholders — including pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacists, and insurers — to reach a consensus on a draft decree. Now in its final stages, the draft is expected to be submitted to the Government Council soon. According to the minister, the proposed model introduces several key measures: shortening the timelines for price reviews, phasing in the changes to preserve market stability, maintaining low prices for essential medicines, and encouraging domestic production. Beyond pricing, the ministry is also launching a series of institutional and technological initiatives to modernize the sector. Tahraoui announced the establishment of the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products, created under law 10.22, which will oversee implementation of the reforms. The agency will also spearhead a digital transformation program, including digitized procedures, the use of artificial intelligence to assess clinical trials, and an integrated electronic platform for monitoring and management. Additionally, a national drug observatory will be set up to monitor prices, anticipate supply shortages, and analyze market trends. To address inefficiencies in the public health supply chain , which has an annual budget of 3.6 billion dirhams, the ministry plans to roll out a unified national logistics platform. This system is designed to reduce waste caused by stockouts and expired medicines and is expected to be deployed gradually over the next 18 months. On the vaccination front, Tahraoui highlighted progress on the 'Marbio' project in Benslimane, which aims to meet 100% of the country's vaccine needs by 2027. Contracts have already been signed to supply three key vaccines — pneumococcal, meningococcal, and hexavalent — with over MAD 1 billion allocated to producing 5.4 million doses between 2025 and 2026. The first batch of locally manufactured vaccines is anticipated before the end of 2025. This comprehensive reform package shed light on Morocco's commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible while fostering a resilient, self-sufficient pharmaceutical sector in line with national development goals. Tags: medicinces pricesmedicines in Moroccopharmaceutical regulation
Morocco World
19-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Marhaba 2025: Morocco Welcomes 1.5 Million Diaspora Returns
Rabat — Morocco welcomed over 1.5 million diaspora members back home by July 10, marking a significant 13.30% increase compared to the same period last year. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita presented the figures of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) coming back to their country to the Government Council as part of his briefing on the 2025 Marhaba operation. Marhaba operation is Morocco's annual summer program that helps Moroccans living abroad return home for vacation. The numbers tell a compelling story of growing connections between Morocco and its diaspora. Along with the 1,520,951 Moroccan residents abroad (MREs) who returned, officials registered 151,411 vehicles crossing into the country — a 3.56% rise from 2024. The government has intensified its efforts to handle the influx, with the country now processing more than 67,000 Moroccan arrivals daily during peak summer season, with July 14 recording the highest single-day numbers so far. Officials expect this upward trend to continue through the coming weeks as more families complete their summer journeys home. Over the last year, Morocco has significantly boosted its transportation infrastructure to meet growing demand. The maritime plan now includes 29 ships operated by seven different companies, running across 12 routes that connect Moroccan ports with destinations in Spain, France, and Italy. These expanded sea routes can now handle 7.3 million passengers and two million vehicles — a 3% capacity increase from last year's operation. The Marhaba operation reflects Morocco's commitment to maintaining strong ties with its diaspora community, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy through remittances and investments. The program's success demonstrates the enduring bonds between Morocco and the millions of Moroccans who have built lives abroad while maintaining deep connections to their homeland. Tags: DiasporaMoroccan MREsOperation Marhaba 2025
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco to Establish Foundation for 2030 World Cup Preparations
Morocco's Government Council on Thursday approved a bill to establish the 'Morocco 2030 Foundation,' a new body tasked with overseeing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is co-hosting. Bill No. 35.25, presented by Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, forms part of the implementation of directives issued by HM King Mohammed VI during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said the Foundation will coordinate and monitor development projects linked to the 2030 World Cup and ensure Morocco meets its commitments under the tournament's specifications. Baitas added that the initiative aligns with HM the King's vision of sport as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development, as well as a driver of youth integration and territorial development. He noted that hosting the 2030 World Cup—alongside other major events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—reinforces Morocco's status as a hub for international events and a meeting point of civilizations. The Morocco 2030 Foundation will adopt a participatory approach involving government bodies, public institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, the Moroccan diaspora, and the broader football community, including African partners, Baitas said. MAP: 10 July 2025
Ya Biladi
11-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Government approves Morocco 2030 body to deliver World Cup vision
The Government Council, which met on Thursday in Rabat, approved draft law 35.25 establishing the Morocco 2030 Foundation. The proposal was presented by Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget. This draft law follows royal directives issued during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024, concerning Morocco's preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030, stated Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, during a press briefing following the meeting. According to Baitas, hosting this global event, alongside other major competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025), reaffirms Morocco's role as a crossroads of civilizations and a leading destination for international events. He added that these tournaments also offer an opportunity to accelerate large-scale development projects across the country, with benefits extending beyond the host cities. It is within this framework that the Morocco 2030 Foundation was conceived. The Foundation will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the execution of various projects to ensure the success of major football competitions, particularly the 2030 World Cup. It will also ensure that the state honors its commitments under the tournament's terms of reference. The entity will operate through a participatory approach, engaging all relevant stakeholders—government agencies, public institutions and enterprises, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, Moroccans abroad, the national football community, and African talents, to achieve its objectives.
