Reforming the Check System: Morocco Bets on Trust Instead of Punishment
Mustafa Bettas, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government responsible for relations with Parliament and the government’s spokesperson, confirmed that reforming the legal framework for checks is a significant step in updating Morocco’s criminal and financial policy.
During the press conference following the Council of Government meeting, Bettas explained that Bank Al-Maghrib’s data for 2024 recorded 30 million check transactions worth a total of 1,319 billion dirhams, while 972,000 incidents of non-payment were reported, highlighting the challenge of restoring the credibility of this financial medium.
The minister noted that between 2022 and June 2025, 180,000 new incidents were reported, resulting in 76,000 legal proceedings and nearly 59,000 arrests, emphasizing the significant burden on the judicial system.
Bettas stressed that the main goal of this reform is to restore the check as a reliable means of financial transactions by encouraging amicable settlements and reducing the recourse to prison sentences, within a gradual and humane approach.
The new legal text includes the possibility of reconciliation at various stages of the process, including during the execution of the penalty, with the suspension of proceedings as soon as payment is made or the complaint is withdrawn, even after a final judgment. It also allows for a 30-day grace period for settling the situation before proceedings commence, extendable with the beneficiary’s consent, and facilitates the use of electronic bracelets as an alternative to pre-trial detention.
Bettas described this project as “not just a technical reform, but a reform of trust,” indicating that it will help ease the pressure on courts, ensure transaction transparency, and stimulate investment within a more balanced and just legal framework.
