Morocco’s King calls for clear, consensus-based roadmap to implement next phase of advanced regionalization

King Mohammed VI called for speeding up the advanced regionalization process so that it can act as a lever for economic and social development and help address development challenges, unequal growth and regional disparities.

In a message to participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalization held in Tangier December 20-21 , the King underscored the strategic character of administration devolution in consolidating local governance and spurring development.

In this connection, the King called for developing a clear and consensus-based roadmap to define the strategic orientations for the next phase of the implementation of advanced regionalization, and outlined the major challenges related to the effective implementation of the Charter for Administrative Decentralization and urged the continuation of efforts to address both current and future challenges posed by this structural project.

The King cited, in the message, which was read out by the Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, seven major challenges related to the effective implementation of the National Charter for Administrative Decentralization; the auditing and operationalization of the powers of local authorities, especially regional councils; and the strengthening of participatory democracy at regional and local levels, in accordance with the provisions of the Kingdom’s Constitution.

These challenges also include issues related to the application of the principle of accountability, improving the attractiveness of territorial areas to entice productive investments, the capacity of regions to design innovative financing mechanisms, and the ability to face crises and adapt to both current transformations and future impacts, the Monarch stated further.

Regarding the challenge of effectively applying the National Charter for Administrative Decentralization, the King emphasized the delays in many ministerial departments in activating the decentralization process, noting that despite its importance, its implementation remains flawed, especially in areas related to investment-related competencies.

“Any delay in transferring these devolved powers to the authorities concerned is likely to complicate administrative investment procedures, thus preventing investors from completing those procedures easily,” the King remarked.

On the challenge of auditing and operationalizing the powers of local authorities, especially regional councils, the Sovereign stated that this is a key condition for implementing the advanced regionalization project and driving Morocco’s economic and social development dynamic.

However, the King regretted that “despite the efforts made in this regard, this goal has not yet been achieved in the desired manner, either,” calling for “a comprehensive approach in which the ministries and local governments concerned would shoulder their responsibilities.”

This aims “to achieve the objectives sought from a precise determination of powers. This is an essential entry point for the full implementation of advanced regionalization,” the Monarch argued.

Regarding the challenge of strengthening participatory democracy at regional and local levels, in accordance with the Constitution, the King stressed the importance of involving citizens and civil society associations in the process of developing, preparing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies, in collaboration with elected councils, to achieve the set goals.

As for the fourth challenge, related to the principle of linking responsibility with accountability in the management of territorial affairs, the Sovereign emphasized that regions and other local authorities have succeeded in the development challenge and have made a break with conventional management practices, adopting governance, democracy, legitimacy, and efficiency mechanisms.

The King therefore deemed it necessary to strengthen the principles of ethics and the fight against corruption, developing a philosophy of control and accountability, in line with the constitutional principle that links the exercise of responsibility with accountability.

Regarding the challenge of improving the attractiveness of territorial areas to attract productive investments as a key lever for strengthening sustainable development, the Sovereign pointed out that regions must now seize favorable opportunities and capitalize on their own assets.

To win this challenge, the King called for a proactive strategy to enhance attractiveness on multiple levels, creating a favorable business environment, developing modern infrastructure, providing a skilled workforce, and implementing appropriate incentive measures. It is also important to leverage the natural resources and cultural and historical heritage found in the various regions of the Kingdom.

This approach necessarily requires adopting an integrated and participatory approach, the Sovereign observed, emphasizing that local authorities, the state, the private sector, and civil society must work together to develop and implement ambitious strategies to enhance attractiveness, taking into account the specifics of each region.

Regarding the challenge of the regions’ ability to create innovative financing mechanisms, the King indicated that experience and practice have shown that traditional financing methods for strategies and measures are no longer sufficient to meet current challenges.

The Monarch highlighted the need to develop alternative financing methods that would reduce financial pressure on other regions and local authorities, noting that this challenge calls upon territorial actors to operationalize the new local budget model based on efficiency, on one hand, and openness to new financing methods allowed by the current legislative framework for local finances, on the other hand.

The seventh and final challenge mentioned by the King is the ability of regions to face certain crises and adapt to current transformations and future impacts.

Indeed, several regions may face a growing number of threats that, depending on their origin, may be natural, economic, or environmental, the Sovereign pointed out, noting that these challenges, often sudden and unpredictable, can undermine development efforts if not addressed appropriately and in a timely manner.

In this connection, the King stressed the need for regions to take the initiative to strengthen their capacities for anticipation, adaptation, and continuous learning, rather than sticking to rigid work programs.