Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) has withdrawn a controversial bill that would have barred individuals with dual nationality from holding ministerial positions, following widespread backlash in Parliament and among the public.
The proposal, originally introduced in 2023 when the Islamist party still held power, resurfaced on May 2, 2025, on the agenda of the Justice, Legislation, and Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives.
The draft sought to amend Articles 31, 33, and 35 of Organic Law No. 065.13, which governs the organization and operations of the government and outlines the legal status of its members.
The PJD had argued that only individuals holding Moroccan nationality exclusively should be eligible to serve in the cabinet. Party lawmaker Abdessamad Haiker criticized current government members for allegedly acquiring foreign nationalities while in office, saying, “Moroccans deserve a 100% Moroccan government.”
The proposed legislation went further, calling for any ministerial candidate to relinquish all private assets before taking office. Haiker argued that patriotism demands total dedication to public service and claimed it was inappropriate for government officials to maintain financial interests or continue private business activity while in office.
However, the proposals drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups, who described them as unrealistic and exclusionary. Critics noted that existing laws already prohibit ministers from managing businesses while in office. Others warned the bill would alienate a significant portion of the Moroccan diaspora—many of whom hold dual nationality—and discourage entrepreneurs from entering politics.
Amid mounting pressure, the PJD parliamentary group officially withdrew the proposal on Monday, just before Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch was scheduled to address Parliament on the state of education in the country.
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