Morocco’s education law stalls due to controversy over French

Parliamentary vote for a long-awaited for law on education reform has stalled once again as the majority Islamist party refuses to vote in favor of some of the provisions of the new text notably the introduction of French as a language of teaching scientific subjects.

The education Minister Said Amzazi insists on using French as a language of instruction for scientific subjects and has already issued directives in that direction.

Amzazi faces criticism from PJD MPs as well as some civil society associations promoting Arabic.

On the ground, the use of French is dictated by Morocco’s economic context that requires good command of French.

For advocates, the return of French as a language of instruction of scientific subjects would give consistency to the educational system, fight drop out at the university and help students continue their scientific studies instead of being intimidated by French.

Besides the controversial debate on language, labor unions decry that the framework law stipulates that rich families should pay for higher education.

Meanwhile, locally hired teachers on permanent contracts have extended their strike for a fourth week as the ministry threatens to sack those who do not return to the classroom.

Morocco has increased its education budget by 4 billion dirhams this year to 67 billion dirhams as it aims at improving access and quality.