Daily Press Review - Tuesday, February 06, 2024

Crucial Year for Water Management in Morocco in 2024

Morocco is preparing to launch artificial groundwater recharge projects in the provinces of Midelt, Zagora, and Errachidia. This initiative, amid a context of growing water stress, aims to replenish water reserves and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The filling rate of Moroccan dams currently stands at 23.2%, a significant decrease compared to last year (31.8%). Available reserves amount to 3.73 billion cubic meters, underscoring the urgency of taking concrete measures to preserve this vital resource.

The Ministry of Equipment and Water is implementing an emergency plan and major projects to address the water deficit. Notable achievements include the urgent phase of transferring water from Sebou to Bouregreg in the Casablanca-Settat region.

Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Daam Sakane Program: 41,662 Requests Recorded in One Month

The housing acquisition aid program "Daam Sakane" has seen strong interest since its launch on January 2, 2024. In one month, 41,662 requests have been registered on the dedicated digital platform.

76% of the requests are for purchasing housing priced below 300,000 dirhams, highlighting the program's appeal to low-income households. 81% of the requests come from citizens residing in Morocco, while 19% are from Moroccans living abroad.

The program attracts more men than women (63% versus 37%), with the average age of applicants being 40 years old. Requests come from various regions of Morocco, with Fes, Meknes, Marrakech, Berrechid, and Tangier-Assilah leading the way.

Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Government Adopts New Unified Teacher Status: Towards a New Chapter?

The Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, announced the adoption of a new unified status for the entire teaching profession, ending a long series of controversies.

In his address to the deputies of the House of Representatives, Mr. Akhannouch presented his government's strategy for reforming and modernizing the national education system. He emphasized that the adoption of this unified status marks a major turning point and addresses the legitimate demands of teachers.

Mr. Akhannouch recalled that his government inherited a "critical" situation in the education sector due to the accumulation of problems in previous years. Among others, he mentioned the deterioration of school infrastructure, the shortage of qualified teachers, poor student performance, and the declining interest in teaching professions.

Le Matin du Sahara

Forsa: Tailored Support to Boost Moroccan Entrepreneurs

The government program Forsa, aimed at supporting entrepreneurship in Morocco, reaches a crucial stage with the launch of a support phase for funded project holders. This initiative, part of the government's overall strategy for job creation and economic growth, promises to be a catalyst for private sector development in Morocco.

Le Matin du Sahara

Combatting Medicine Trafficking: Ministry of Health Strengthens Legal Arsenal

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection is tackling medicine trafficking on the black market and social networks by adopting several pieces of legislation. This initiative aims to stem a growing phenomenon and ensure the health safety of citizens.

Minister of Health Khalid Aït Taleb reiterated the existence of Law No. 17-04 on the Medicine and Pharmacy Code and Decree No. 2.18.878 of September 8, 2021, governing the control modalities of pharmacies. These texts provide the legal basis for combating the illegal circulation of medicines.

Mr. Aït Taleb reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to strengthening its legal arsenal to counter medicine trafficking on digital platforms and social networks. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health safety of citizens and preserve public health.

Le Matin du Sahara

VAT Exemption on Medicines: Pharmacies Gradually Adjust

More than a month after the VAT exemption on medicines came into effect, pharmacies are still adjusting to this new measure. While welcomed by consumers and professionals, its implementation on the ground proves more complex than anticipated.

The majority of pharmacies continue to display prices including all taxes, much to the surprise of some informed customers. This situation is due to a transitional period granted to pharmacists and manufacturers to convert their stocks to the new labeling. This transitional period is expected to continue until the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Health professionals explain the challenges encountered in implementing the exemption. Converting stocks and management software represents significant and time-consuming work. Moreover, communicating the new prices and raising awareness among customers are necessary for better understanding of the measure.

L'Opinion

PPS in Azrou: Tribute to Former Political Prisoners and Advocacy for Political Life Morality

The Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) held a meeting in Azrou under the theme "Moralizing political life is the gateway to achieving reforms." The event was an opportunity to pay tribute to former political prisoners of the PPS and USFP in Azrou and Khénifra, victims of the "Years of Lead."

Mohammed Nabil Benabdallah, Secretary-General of the PPS, reaffirmed the existence of a crisis in political practice in Morocco and a crisis of confidence in elected institutions. He reiterated the commitment of the PPS, in coordination with the USFP, to reconcile the people with these institutions.

Mr. Benabdallah also mentioned the so-called "Desert Escobar" case as an illustration of system dysfunctions. He emphasized that while the situation may formally appear normal, with an active government and functioning parliament, the people's trust is shaken.

Al Bayane

Confirmed Trust: Walid Regragui Reappointed as Head of the Atlas Lions

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has decided to maintain Walid Regragui as the national team coach for the Atlas Lions.

Despite the early elimination of the Atlas Lions in the round of 16 of the 2023 CAN, the FRMF and its president, Fouzi Lekjaa, have expressed their confidence in Regragui's ability to lead the team to new successes.

Al Bayane

Senegal Reaffirms Constant Support for Sahara Autonomy Initiative

Senegal has reaffirmed its constant support for the Moroccan initiative for autonomy in the Sahara, within the framework of respecting the sovereignty of the Kingdom and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. This position was expressed by former Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Mankeur Ndiaye, special advisor to President Macky Sall.

Mr. Ndiaye recalled Senegal's consistent position on the Sahara issue during the presentation of his two latest books in Dakar. He emphasized the importance of discouraging all forms of separatism and reiterated Senegal's support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative.

The special advisor to the Senegalese president affirmed that his country's support for the Moroccan initiative is motivated by the conviction that it represents a lasting solution to the Sahara conflict. This solution, based on respecting Morocco's sovereignty and granting broad autonomy to the Sahara region, would establish lasting peace in the region.

Liberation

Launch of the "Sportive Enterprise" Label by the Moroccan Federation of Sports Professionals

The Moroccan Federation of Sports Professionals (FMPS) is launching the "Sportive Enterprise" label to valorize companies committed to promoting physical activity in the workplace. This label is open to public and private enterprises with over 20 employees and aims to recognize and highlight concrete actions taken to promote the well-being of employees through sports.

The "Sportive Enterprise" label aligns with FMPS's desire to contribute to improving the quality of life at work and the health of Moroccan employees. It aims to encourage companies to implement policies and concrete actions to promote sports practice in the workplace.

Les Inspirations Eco

Wheat: Security Stock Threatened, ONICL Reacts

Morocco's security stock of wheat, an essential raw material for flour production, is currently under threat. Importations since last June have not been sufficient to replenish this stock, which currently stands at just over three months, compared to the required six months.

To address this deficit, the National Interprofessional Office of Cereals and Legumes (ONICL) has issued a circular instituting support for the constitution of a wheat stockpile by importers. This measure aims to encourage importers to increase their import volumes and replenish the country's security stock before Ramadan, which begins in 35 days.

L'ECONOMISTE