Survey: 72% of Moroccans see corruption as widespread

72% of citizens residing in Morocco, 65% of Moroccans living abroad, and 68% of businesses consider corruption to be very common in Morocco, according to a recent survey.

Moroccans attribute the spread of corruption to low wages, a desire for quick wealth, slow procedures, weakened ethical values, and an absence of oversight and accountability, according to a recent survey.

The survey, part of the second edition of the National Corruption Research, presented in the annual report of the National Authority for Probity and the Prevention of Corruption(INPPLC) involved 6,000 participants, including Moroccans residing abroad and businesses.

The research encompassed approximately 5,000 Moroccan citizens surveyed from October to December 2022, along with 1,000 Moroccans residing abroad during their presence in Morocco in July and August 2022. Additionally, 1,100 businesses were surveyed from May 2, 2023, to August 3, 2023.

40% of citizens residing in Morocco and 21% of Moroccans living abroad believe that corruption has increased in the country over the past two years.

On the other hand, 25% of citizens residing in Morocco and 44 % of Moroccans living abroad believe that corruption has decreased in the country over the past two years. 

Meanwhile, 45% of the surveyed businesses think that corruption has increased in Morocco during the same period.

The survey findings indicate that the complexity of procedures, poverty, a lack of sanctions, and weakened civic responsibility are identified by respondents as major drivers of corruption.

Research participants also highlighted the harmful effects of corruption, including social inequality, state impoverishment, salary disparities, diminished purchasing power, and increased poverty.

According to respondents, the prevalence of corruption remains high, with varying degrees across sectors. 

The health sector is perceived as the most susceptible to corruption, followed by political parties, the government, parliament, and unions.

Certain areas were identified as having widespread corruption, including employment and appointments, career development in the public sector, public social aid, obtaining licenses, and exceptional permits. 

For surveyed businesses, obtaining exceptional permits remains the most vulnerable area to corruption.

Despite the perceived prevalence of corruption and experiences with it, the survey findings indicated that reporting or filing complaints remains extremely low, with only 4 to 6% of respondents taking such actions. 

Similar trends are observed among businesses, where the primary reasons for not reporting include the perceived ineffectiveness of complaints or reporting, the prevalence of corruption as a common practice, and fear of negative consequences on the business.