Moroccan MP Criticizes Economic Policies of Past Governments
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Adel El Baytar, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party in the Moroccan House of Representatives, has criticized the social impact of economic policies implemented by previous governments. During a discussion on the 2027 Finance Bill in the Finance and Economic Development Committee, El Baytar highlighted that the reforms and financial achievements of the governments led by Abdelilah Benkirane, Saadeddine El Othmani, and Aziz Akhannouch did not sufficiently improve the daily lives of citizens or fully achieve their social objectives.
El Baytar noted that his party had previously proposed increasing the tax rate on fuel distribution companies in 2019, rejecting a similar proposal from the Justice and Development Party. He emphasized that political maneuvering should serve the national interest and be based on accurate data. He called for a shift from improving indicators to enhancing the living conditions of families, linking public spending to employment, services, and social justice.
El Baytar evaluated the experiences of the past three governments, including the one in which his party participated. He stressed that assessing previous governments' experiences is crucial for democratic development and learning from choices that did not yield expected results. He highlighted that having a majority and programs is not enough to guarantee success, which also requires consensus in decision-making, clear priorities, effective communication, and readiness to correct deviations.
Regarding the governments led by the Justice and Development Party, El Baytar discussed the impact of economic and social choices on purchasing power, the relationship between political discourse and government practice, and the challenges of consensus within the majority, particularly during El Othmani's tenure. He noted that the discussion around Akhannouch's government focused on rising living costs, inflation, and the impact of programs and public investments on employment, stating that unemployment reached record levels despite significant reforms and efforts.
El Baytar acknowledged the complexities faced by the three governments, citing the pandemic, drought, and international fluctuations. However, he insisted that while the context was challenging, it did not exempt these governments from responsibility.
