The House of Representatives approved the 2026 Finance Bill, number 50.25, by majority vote during its second reading on Friday, following endorsement by the Committee on Finance and Economic Development. The approval came with the support of 80 members and opposition from 25, with no abstentions recorded and a turnout rate of only 26.6% of the total members, highlighting the issue of parliamentary absenteeism.
Earlier in the day, the Committee on Finance and Economic Development had also endorsed the bill by majority, with 17 members in favor and 8 abstaining, and no opposing votes after a presentation by Minister of Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, on the amendments approved by the House of Councillors.
The 2026 Finance Bill includes significant tax amendments, most notably raising the discount rate on cash and in-kind donations to sports companies from 10% to 20%, as well as gradually expanding withholding taxes on corporate tax and value-added tax based on turnover size. Additionally, it establishes a “Fund for the Management of Financial Interests of Local Authorities” to support the structural reform of local taxation.
Lekjaa emphasized that the distribution of financial positions follows a meticulous methodology that considers the needs of each sector and the number of employees expected to retire, with a focus on security, education, and health sectors, as strengthening human and financial resources is essential for ensuring security and development.
