Political pressures drive recent dismissals in Moroccan municipalities

Thursday 27 March 2025 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Political pressures drive recent dismissals in Moroccan municipalities

Recent developments in Morocco’s municipal landscape have revealed a series of dismissals affecting key department heads and employees in critical sectors such as taxation and urban planning. These changes have predominantly occurred in municipalities that faced audits by the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration (IGAT).

Reports indicate that these dismissals may be linked to political influence and allegations of misconduct involving deputy mayors responsible for managing permits, taxation, and public assets. Sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that the Interior Ministry is particularly concerned about the implications for transparency in municipal decision-making.

Notable dismissals include the Head of Urban Planning in Bouskoura and the Director of Municipal Services in Nouaceur, both located near Casablanca. These actions have prompted the Interior Ministry to initiate investigations into their legality, potentially leading to strict measures against officials found guilty of administrative violations. This move is part of broader efforts to enhance local governance oversight and ensure municipal administrations operate independently of political pressures.

Internal reports from regional administrations in Casablanca-Settat have raised alarms over municipal employees allegedly being utilized for covert electoral campaigns. Some mayors and local officials are purportedly directing municipal staff to undertake public works projects in politically advantageous areas to enhance their electoral prospects. Tasks such as street lighting repairs, road maintenance, and sanitation work are being assigned in key electoral strongholds, leading to unrest among employees who feel coerced into non-administrative roles.

Complaints have been lodged with the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration, citing grievances over delays in financial compensation and assignments outside official duties without departmental approval.

In response to these governance challenges, the Ministry of Interior has enacted Decree No. 1019.24, which grants governors and provincial administrators the authority to approve appointments, dismissals, and terminations for high-ranking positions within municipal administrations. Notably, this decree does not extend to the Director General of Services for regional councils or the Casablanca Municipality, nor the Director of Regional Project Implementation Agencies.

Additionally, the decree allows local authorities to approve public contracts independently, enhancing administrative flexibility.

Sources suggest that electoral tensions within both urban and rural municipalities are impacting the execution of municipal development projects. Delays in project implementation are frequently attributed to budgetary constraints and staff shortages. Many local governments are currently awaiting their share of the increased Value Added Tax (VAT) revenues, which rose from 30% to 32% under the current Finance Law.

As concerns over financial mismanagement and political interference persist among municipal employees, the Ministry of Interior’s enhanced oversight could lead to further investigations and accountability measures aimed at ensuring that local governance remains transparent and efficient.