Several municipal presidents have recently dismissed department heads and key employees responsible for critical sectors such as taxation and urban planning, particularly in municipalities that have been subject to audits by the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration (IGAT).
Reports submitted to central authorities suggest these dismissals may be linked to political pressure and allegations of misconduct involving deputy mayors tasked with overseeing permits, taxation, and public assets, according to well-informed Hespress AR sources.
The dismissals, particularly of the Head of Urban Planning in Bouskoura and the Director of Municipal Services in Nouaceur, both near Casablanca, have raised concerns within the Interior Ministry about transparency in municipal decision-making.
Consequently, investigations have been launched to assess the legality of these actions. The results could lead to strict measures against officials found guilty of administrative violations, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance local governance oversight and ensure municipal administrations remain independent from political influence.
Reports from internal affairs departments within regional administrations in Casablanca-Settat have revealed serious concerns about municipal employees being used for covert election campaigns.
Some mayors and local officials are allegedly assigning municipal staff to public works projects in politically strategic areas to bolster their electoral standing. This includes tasks such as street lighting repairs, road maintenance, and sanitation work in key electoral strongholds.
This practice has reportedly caused unrest among municipal employees, particularly those who feel they are being coerced into non-administrative tasks.
Complaints have been filed with the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration, detailing grievances over delays in receiving financial compensation and being assigned tasks outside their official roles without approval from their department heads.
In response to governance issues in local municipalities, the Ministry of Interior has introduced Decree No. 1019.24, granting governors and provincial administrators the authority to approve appointments, dismissals, and terminations for high-ranking positions within municipal administrations.
However, this decree excludes the positions of Director General of Services for regional councils and the Casablanca Municipality, as well as the Director of Regional Project Implementation Agencies.
The decree also empowers local authorities to approve public contracts without prior approval from the central government, allowing for greater administrative flexibility.
Sources suggest that electoral tensions in both urban and rural municipalities are affecting municipal development projects. Several municipalities have justified delays in executing projects by citing budgetary constraints and staff shortages.
Many local governments are waiting for their share of the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenues, which was increased from 30% to 32% under the current Finance Law.
As municipal employees continue to raise concerns over financial mismanagement and political interference, the Ministry of Interior’s enhanced oversight could lead to further investigations and accountability measures, ensuring that local governance remains transparent and efficient.
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