PJD defends its Governments in new letter to Akhannouch

The parliamentary group of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has sent a letter to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, defending what it describes as the “achievements” of the previous two governments in implementing legal and regulatory frameworks for Morocco’s social protection expansion. The PJD insists that the government must acknowledge the legal texts published in the official gazette rather than disregarding or denying their existence.

The letter, which the head of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) parliamentary group, Mohammed Chouki, declined to comment on due to a lack of prior review, states that nine laws on social protection were enacted during the previous two government terms, all published in the official gazette by royal decree. Additionally, 21 decrees were issued to implement these laws, according to the PJD.

The party claims the current government is in a “difficult position” due to Prime Minister Akhannouch’s 2016 stance against direct social assistance for vulnerable families during coalition negotiations. It argues that when the current administration took office, it inherited a well-established legal and regulatory framework for expanding social protection, along with extensive consultation reports from negotiations with various professional groups regarding health coverage.

The PJD lawmakers highlighted that the previous government’s work resulted in decrees covering translators, doctors, and specialists, while seven other decrees concerning artists, dentists, pharmacists, paramedics, taxi drivers, notaries, traders, and artisans were already awaiting ministerial signatures.

The party also noted that the groundwork for determining social security contribution rates for farmers, veterinarians, engineers, and surveyors had been laid before the current government took office.

In its message, the PJD emphasized that social protection is a national priority under royal guidance that transcends political administrations, calling for a collective effort to ensure its success. The party acknowledged that while the current government is contributing to the initiative, it must respect the legal groundwork established by its predecessors.

The letter further reminded the prime minister that the implementation of Morocco’s social protection reform began before his administration took office, citing King Mohammed VI’s launch of the initiative on April 14, 2021, at the Royal Palace in Fez. The event included the signing of three framework agreements aimed at expanding mandatory health insurance for professionals, self-employed workers, and individuals in various informal occupations.