Only 19% of parliamentary questions answered mid-term, study reveals

As of mid-2024, only 19% of the 3,200 parliamentary questions directed at the government during the fifth legislative term (2021-2026) had received a response, says a report by Tafra titled “What are the MPs Doing? Parliamentary Activity in Morocco through the Questions of MPs.”  

The report revealed that there is a preference for oral questions among MPs, despite their time-constrained nature. Written questions, on the other hand, face no such limitations. 

While the government responded to 25% of written inquiries, the response rate for oral questions was significantly lower at just 13%.

A notable shift in parliamentary dynamics was observed compared to previous reports. In contrast to earlier findings where the opposition posed more questions, the current term saw a higher number of questions directed at the government from the majority party. 

The government responded to 15% of questions from the majority party and 25% from the opposition.

Within the majority party, the National Rally of Independents, holding the largest number of seats, posed the most questions. However, the response rate for their inquiries was relatively low at 12%. 

The Authenticity and Modernity Party, which previously held the top spot, moved to second place in terms of questions asked.

The Socialist group took the lead among opposition parties in terms of the most questions asked, submitting a total of 444. The government answered 77 of those. 

Close behind was the Justice and Development Party with 305 questions, 105 of which got a response. 

The Progress and Socialist Party was next with 283 questions. Surprisingly, it was the independent MPs who had the highest success rate, with the government responding to 36% of their 97 questions, or 35 in total.

The report also identified the top five ministries that received the most questions: Education, Health, Agriculture, Equipment, and Interior. 

Ministries such as the Budget Ministry, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and the Prime Minister’s Office received the fewest. 

The Association said that parliamentary questions are important in holding the government accountable and shaping public policy. By analyzing these questions and the government’s responses, citizens can gain valuable insights into the political dynamics of the country.