Ould El Rashid: Advanced Regionalization is in a Transitional Phase
The Chairman of the House of Councillors, Mohamed Ould El Rashid, confirmed today in Marrakech that the advanced regionalization initiative is undergoing a transitional phase that requires an evaluation of the territorial governance system.
In a speech read on his behalf during a thematic regional seminar organized by the House of Councillors in partnership with the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, titled “Enhancing Regional Attractiveness Amid Challenges of Implementing Competencies and Risks of Coordination Between Decentralization and De-concentration,” Mr. Ould El Rashid emphasized that this evaluation could strengthen the coordination between decentralized and de-concentrated developmental competencies, aiming for optimal management of the local economy, in line with the new directives set forth by the National Investment Charter.
In this context, he stressed the necessity of activating all available institutional dialogue spaces to deepen discussions on how to expedite the implementation of advanced regionalization, in accordance with the insightful vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Moreover, Ould El Rashid addressed the review of legal texts related to the powers of regions, calling for an update of the legal framework governing territorial communities to make it clearer and more coherent. He emphasized the need to establish criteria for applying the principles of gradualism and differentiation in the transfer of competencies, as well as launching a model experience in exercising shared and transferred powers to regions.
He also discussed the activation of mechanisms for managing public investments to ensure optimal selection of projects eligible for public funding, aiming to expedite the transfer of priority competencies, particularly those related to investment, to de-concentrated services, with the goal of simplifying administrative procedures and improving the conditions for executing investments.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of reviewing the legal and regulatory framework for public-private partnerships, enhancing the roles of regional agencies in project implementation, and initiating collaboration to activate the evaluation mechanisms as stipulated in Article 246 of the organic law pertaining to regions.
For his part, the President of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, Samir Koudar, affirmed that the issues of territorial attractiveness and the coordination of public policies have become primary concerns for policymakers, forming a central theme in the first national symposium on advanced regionalization.
He added that the Kingdom is witnessing significant institutional and structural transformations, culminating in the issuance of Decree No. 2.17.618 related to administrative de-concentration, thereby allowing regions to play roles that extend beyond administrative and political duties to encompass economic, social, and cultural aspects, thus creating a favorable environment for establishing advanced and progressive regionalization.
Koudar explained that the legal framework for regionalization establishes a strong decentralized system through the principles of free management, solidarity, and delegation, noting that the main challenge lies in securing sufficient funding for regional developmental programs, highlighting the importance of providing necessary resources to empower regions to fulfill their mandates.
This seminar, organized as part of preparations for the sixth parliamentary forum on regions, attended by members of the House of Councillors and the regional council alongside university researchers, aims to shed light on the reality and prospects of regions exercising their autonomous and shared competencies, addressing the challenges related to their territorial attractiveness and funding, as well as discussing ways to achieve coordination between decentralization and de-concentration to promote integrated and sustainable development.
The conference focused on two main topics: “Enhancing Regional Attractiveness Amid Challenges of Exercising Competencies and Funding Risks” and “Challenges of Harmony Between Decentralization and De-concentration, and Coordination Between Sectoral Strategies and Territorial Public Policies.”
