Presenting this draft budget to the Committee on the interior,Local Authorities,Housing,Urban Policy and administrative Affairs in the House of Representatives,Mr. Laftit specified that these strategies and programs aim to accelerate the growth dynamic and improve governance at the territorial level within the framework of advanced regionalization, the institutions of which have been put in place in accordance with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The southern provinces of the Kingdom are experiencing a surge in overall development, as the Sovereign underlined at the opening of the current legislative session, noted the minister, recalling that the management of development projects, both on the territorial level , environmental and economic has taken up the challenges of preservation, good management and sustainability of natural resources, in particular the problem of the scarcity of drinking water, irrigation and the management of water stress.
According to the Minister, strengthening the resilience of the socio-economic and environmental system constitutes a major challenge for all stakeholders, partners and economic and social actors, able to unite forces to face these challenges in a context of change. continuous climate change and with a view to the global energy and digital transition, and to transform these challenges into opportunities to strengthen and adapt the economic and social model through the development of innovative approaches aligned with the specificities of our economic, ecological and territorial.
Furthermore, Mr. Laftit underlined that the ministry,as part of supporting the implementation of public policies at the territorial level,has been working for decades to generalize local infrastructure,facilitate access of target populations to basic services,opening up mountainous and remote areas and supporting human development across the Kingdom.
In terms of security governance, the minister noted that the ministry’s results were marked by the continued operationalization of security plans and strategies aimed at strengthening the management and foresight capacities of public forces, especially in a regional and international context marked by instability, the proliferation of drug and extremism networks, and the increase in challenges linked to border management and illegal migratory flows, of which Morocco has become a constant crossing point.
The Ministry of the Interior, noted Mr. Laftit, is continuing its efforts to modernize the territorial administration and security systems, both in terms of the rehabilitation of their human resources and the increase in their operational capacities or the coordination of their interventions.
And to explain that the action plan followed, and also the efforts of local authorities and security services, have made it possible to maintain a high level of feeling of security for citizens and visitors to the Kingdom and to prevent the growth of the organized crime, specifying that most crimes remain isolated in time and space and have a traditional character, while attempts by cross-border gangs to establish a presence in Morocco have been aborted.
Concerning the fight against irregular immigration, Mr. Laftit assured that the ministry continued the implementation of the Royal Vision in the field of immigration through the implementation of the content of the national immigration strategy. and Asylum,which aims to humanize migration and asylum issues and strengthen the rights of migrants and protect them from criminal networks.
In terms of the fight against illicit drugs, the minister reported, in accordance with the contents of the national Strategy to Combat Drug Trafficking, the seizure of 249 tons of chira, 52 tons of the Kif plant, 2,189 kilograms of cocaine and more than 16 kilograms of heroin, in addition to 839,583 psychotropic tablets, as well as the dismantling of numerous networks active in the international trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic drugs.
On the other hand, Mr. Laftit emphasized the ministry’s efforts to develop the capacities of political parties in terms of keeping their accounts and financial management, noting that his department is looking into the launch of a major project, relating to the establishment of a common information system to process and use the accounting plan specific to the parties, as well as a manual of accounting procedures in parallel with the information system, to support political authorities in the use of the accounting system, to establish the transparency, clarity and credibility of their accounts.
Mr. Laftit also focused on the assessment of the ministry’s action in the context of the implementation of the National Natural Disaster risk Management Strategy, noting the financing, until September 2024, of a total of 323 projects for a total amount of 4.7 billion dirhams, of which the contribution from the fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters amounted to 1.6 billion dirhams, along with the activation of 68 measures in coordination with various sectors and institutions involved in the field of natural disaster risk management.
In terms of protection against flooding, the ministry continued, during the year 2024.0, its support to local authorities by allocating an amount of 57.6 million dirhams to 6 collectives for their share in the VAT proceeds. to carry out flood prevention work, the subject of agreements concluded between communities and several partners, particularly within the framework of the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters.
As part of the pursuit of reforms linked to the implementation of advanced regionalization, Mr. Laftit indicated that his department has worked to continue activating the institutional, financial and human structures relating to this national project. , alongside the generalization of numerous measures linked to the consolidation of administrative deconcentration and the progressive transfer of skills at the territorial level, as well as capacity building, skills development, training and digital transformation to improve local services .
As part of the continued implementation of the Program to reduce spatial and social disparities in rural areas (2017-2023), Mr.Laftit stressed that his department is focusing on accelerating the pace of implementation of scheduled projects. ,by supporting the action of the regional committees for the Development of Rural Space and Mountain Areas,for the development and updating of maps of spatial differences,through an information system which allows development actors territorial the possibility of including planned projects in the database of said system,as well as monitoring their implementation.
Concerning the National Human Development Initiative, the ministry is continuing the implementation of the programs of the third phase of the INDH, marked by the adoption of a qualitative approach, aimed at investing mainly in the intangible dimensions of human development, while ensuring opportunities for integration and social promotion for young people and rising generations, noted the minister.
How does Morocco’s national immigration strategy address both migrant rights and security issues?
interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Morocco’s Development Strategies
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today! We’re diving into some interesting topics regarding Morocco’s recent legislative developments. Recently, Mr. Laftit presented a draft budget aimed at driving local growth and governance under the framework of advanced regionalization. Could you give us an overview of what this means for Morocco’s southern provinces?
Expert: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. Mr. Laftit’s presentation indicates a significant commitment to improving the governance structure in the southern provinces, which are experiencing a notable surge in development. This draft budget aligns with royal directives from King Mohammed VI to implement advanced regionalization. It aims to empower local authorities to better manage resources and spur economic growth.
Editor: That’s intriguing! The minister also highlighted challenges like water scarcity and environmental sustainability. How are these issues being addressed in the proposed strategies?
Expert: Indeed, water scarcity is a pressing issue, especially in a region facing climate change challenges. The government is focusing on strengthening the socio-economic and environmental resilience of these areas. This includes not only managing water resources more effectively but also developing innovative solutions to adapt to climate change. the goal is to enhance sustainability while still promoting economic opportunities.
Editor: Speaking of resilience, Mr. Laftit mentioned that local infrastructure is being prioritized to facilitate access to basic services. can you elaborate on the significance of this initiative?
Expert: Absolutely! Generalizing local infrastructure is crucial for human development, especially in mountainous and remote areas. By improving access to basic services like healthcare, education, and sanitation, the government can uplift communities and ensure equitable growth. It’s about creating a foundation that allows everyone, irrespective of their geographical location, to thrive.
Editor: Moving on to security, we see that governance in this area also has been a focus. With ongoing concerns over organized crime and migration issues, what steps is the government taking to bolster security?
Expert: Mr. Laftit emphasized the operationalization of security strategies that enhance management capabilities of public forces.given the regional instability and the threats associated with drug trafficking and illegal immigration, Morocco has made substantial strides in maintaining a high feeling of security. The minister’s assurances suggest that proactive measures have effectively curtailed organized crime, and this focus on security is crucial for fostering a safe habitat for both citizens and tourists.
Editor: That’s reassuring to hear. Regarding immigration, the minister mentioned ongoing efforts under the national immigration strategy aimed at protecting migrant rights. Can you explain how this strategy balances human rights with security concerns?
Expert: This is a delicate balance. The national immigration strategy not only aims to humanize the migration process but also proactively combat the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable populations. By enhancing migrants’ rights and incorporating humanitarian aspects into their policies, Morocco seeks to present a positive image while addressing security concerns surrounding irregular migration. This dual approach is critical in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Editor: Lastly, regarding drug trafficking, significant seizures have been reported. How effective are Morocco’s anti-drug initiatives, and what impact do they have on local communities?
Expert: Morocco’s National Strategy to combat Drug Trafficking has seen success, with impressive figures like the seizure of 249 tons of cannabis. These initiatives not only disrupt trafficking networks but also aim to decrease drug availability in local communities, which can have profound social benefits. By reducing the prevalence of drugs, these efforts contribute to safer environments and promote healthier lifestyles for residents.
Editor: Thank you for such insightful commentary on these pressing issues. As Morocco continues to develop its strategies, it will be interesting to see how these initiatives evolve and shape the future of the region.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep the dialog open about these developments, as they play a significant role not just in Morocco but could also serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.