On October 19, 2023, at the Royal Palace in Rabat, King Mohammed VI led a Council of Ministers. The council notably examined the general orientations of the Finance Bill for 2024.
He also approved a bill and a draft decree concerning the military field, three international conventions and several appointments to senior positions.
The Minister of Economy and Finance presented the broad outlines of the Finance Bill for 2024. She stressed that the preparation of this project takes place in a context marked by the slowdown in the global economy, geopolitical tensions, the rise in energy prices and the consequences of last September's earthquake.
Morocco has developed a program for the reconstruction of the regions affected by this earthquake. This program concerns around 4.2 million inhabitants and requires a budget of 120 billion dirhams over five years.
The PLF 2024 is structured around four main axes:
The implementation of the “Program for the reconstruction and general upgrading of the regions affected by the Al Haouz earthquake”.
The consolidation of the foundations of the social state, in particular through the generalization of Compulsory Health Insurance and support for needy families.
Implementation of structural reforms, including reform of the judicial system and the Family Code.
Strengthening the sustainability of public finances.
The PLF forecasts a growth rate of 3.7% in 2024 and a budget deficit of 4% of GDP. The Council also approved a bill aimed at giving the status of wards of the Nation to child victims of the Al Haouz earthquake of September 2023.
In terms of international commitments, Morocco has approved three conventions, including two with the Council of Europe related to corruption.
Key appointments
At the regional level, Saaid Amzazi was appointed Wali of the Souss-Massa region and governor of the Agadir prefecture Ida Outanane. Mohamed M'Hidia was appointed Wali of Casablanca-Settat and governor of Casablanca. Other appointments include Farid Chourak in Marrakech-Safi, Younès Tazi in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, and Ali Khalil in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. Governors were also appointed for Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Nador, Ouarzazate, and Tinghir.
At the agency level, Mohamed El Guerrouj was appointed Director General of the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Relating to Cannabis, and Loubna Boutaleb will head the Agency for the development of the Marchica lagoon site.
On the diplomatic level, several ambassadors have been appointed. Ahmed Tazi will represent Morocco in the United Arab Emirates, Fouad Akhrif in Jordan, Mohamed Ait Ouali in Egypt, Samira Sitaïl in France, Abdelkader El Ansari in China and Youssef Amrani in the United States. These appointments strengthen Morocco's diplomatic presence internationally and reflect the country's continued commitment to bilateral and multilateral relations.
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