Speaking at the opening of the 5th Parliamentary Forum of the Regions, organized by the Chamber of Advisors under the high patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, Mr. Chami indicated that the CESE, aware of the capital importance of the development of territorial spaces in their dimensions economic, social, environmental and sustainable, has paid particular attention to issues related to the project of advanced regionalization in all of its reports and advisory opinions.
Thus, he said, the Council has developed, notably in its latest report which proposes avenues of reflection and action for a harmonious and inclusive development of territorial spaces, a series of recommendations aimed at stimulating a new dynamic in territorial spaces by rethinking the roles, missions and scope of intervention of the State and its institutions, in their relationships with other actors at the territorial level, in particular local authorities.
These recommendations, continued Mr. Chami, essentially concern the revision of organic laws relating to local authorities for more clarification of their competences and for the identification of the field of intervention of each party, as well as on the transfer of competences of government departments to the regions, while providing them with the necessary resources, and the development of a precise, achievable and binding timetable for the transfer of decision-making power from central administrations to decentralized services.
They also concern the promotion of inter-community cooperation, more effective territorial redeployment of public institutions and enterprises, the promotion of the territorial public service in order to attract the skills necessary for the implementation of the advanced regionalization project and the improving the quality of public services provided to users through the acceleration of the digitalization process, he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Chami stressed that the reforms launched as part of the advanced regionalization project reflect the State’s desire to provide the Kingdom with a territorial system capable of meeting new development challenges and responding effectively meet the expectations of citizens, calling at the same time for a progressive evaluation of this project with the involvement of the main actors and stakeholders, and to launch a debate between these parties to arrive at a consensual vision around the next stages of implementation of this project in terms of both approach and execution.
The fifth Parliamentary Forum of the Regions, organized in partnership with the CESE, the Association of Regions of Morocco, the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Councils of Prefectures and Provinces and the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Communal Councils, constitutes an innovative institutional framework which is in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution.
This fifth edition, placed under the theme “The region: key player in integrated and sustainable development”, addresses, in addition to the promotion of private investment at the regional level, the challenges of implementing the second generation of programs regional development.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Mr. Chami, Expert on Regional Development
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Mr. Chami! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the important developments at the 5th Parliamentary Forum of the Regions. You mentioned the critical role of regional development in your addresses—could you elaborate on why this is so vital?
Mr. Chami: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Regional development is essential because it directly influences the economic, social, environmental, and sustainable dimensions of our territories. Each region has unique strengths and challenges, and harnessing these through advanced regionalization allows us to initiate targeted growth strategies that can uplift local communities and stimulate overall national prosperity.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating! You spoke about the need for a new dynamic in territorial spaces. Can you share what you envision regarding the roles and responsibilities of the State in relation to local authorities?
Mr. Chami: Absolutely. The State’s role must evolve to foster collaboration rather than control. Our latest recommendations call for revising the organic laws that govern local authorities. This means clarifying competencies, identifying the areas of intervention for each entity, and transferring certain responsibilities from government departments to regional administrations. It’s about empowering local authorities with the necessary resources and authority to make decisions that directly affect their communities.
Time.news Editor: That’s an intriguing approach. How do you see the impact of transferring decision-making power from central administrations to decentralized services?
Mr. Chami: The transfer of decision-making power is crucial for localized governance. Central administrations often lack the nuanced understanding of local needs, which can lead to ineffective policies and initiatives. By decentralizing decision-making, we encourage a more responsive government that can address the specific challenges and opportunities of its region. This also enhances accountability and civic engagement, fostering a closer connection between government and citizens.
Time.news Editor: Alongside these recommendations, you mentioned the promotion of inter-community cooperation. Why is this collaboration significant for regional development?
Mr. Chami: Inter-community cooperation is vital because it allows regions to pool resources, share best practices, and tackle common issues collectively. Many regional challenges, such as environmental concerns and economic disparities, transcend geographical boundaries. By working together, communities can improve service delivery, enhance infrastructure, and create more resilient economies. It essentially builds a network of support among regions, driving greater overall development.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a holistic approach to regional development. Are there specific examples or initiatives that illustrate these concepts in action?
Mr. Chami: Yes, there are several initiatives where this is already happening. For instance, some regions have successfully launched joint projects focused on renewable energy, which not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates jobs. Additionally, we have seen collaborations in tourism and cultural preservation efforts, where regions leverage their unique attributes to attract visitors and boost local economies.
Time.news Editor: That’s encouraging to hear! As this dialogue continues, what next steps do you see for ensuring that these recommendations are implemented effectively?
Mr. Chami: The next critical step is to develop a precise and binding timetable for the transfer of responsibilities and resources. This includes engaging all stakeholders—local authorities, community leaders, and civil society—in discussions to ensure that everyone has a voice. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms need to be in place to track progress and make necessary adjustments as we move forward.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Chami, for your insights today. It’s clear that the path to advanced regionalization is filled with opportunity for all stakeholders involved. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold!
Mr. Chami: Thank you for having me and for your interest in this crucial topic. Together, we can aspire to create truly sustainable and inclusive regions.