Riyad Mezzour: The government has worked to alleviate pressure on prices, and consumer protection laws need updates
Riyad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasized that the government has taken a series of measures to curb rising prices and monitor them. He noted that inflation rates in Morocco have not exceeded 7% over two consecutive years, despite well-known challenges, reflecting the effectiveness of government policies in easing the burdens on citizens.
During a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, the minister explained that referring to some market players as “monsters” pertains to those manipulating prices, whether they are liberal actors or others. He affirmed that the government has made significant efforts to regulate the market, despite some errors in estimations.
Concerning the legal framework, Mezzour stressed the need to update consumer protection laws, indicating that work is underway on new legislation that enhances protection for citizens, particularly in e-commerce, the definition of digital platforms, and monitoring price trends, including during price drops. He highlighted that consumer protection encompasses economic, health, and social aspects, while also reminding that there are specialized governmental and constitutional bodies, such as competition and regulatory authorities.
The minister pointed out that Morocco adheres to the principle of price freedom but allows for intervention in exceptional cases to cap prices, although this remains tied to multiple challenges, such as feed costs and maintaining the national herd. He clarified that pricing is a collective responsibility and includes policies that sometimes need adjustment to correct imbalances.
Parliament members criticized the rising prices and the lack of impact from the support given to certain sectors on citizens’ purchasing power, noting the uneven benefits some players receive from the support without a direct effect on prices. They also urged the government to review laws to protect consumers, activate control mechanisms, especially in e-commerce, and regulate prices of essential goods as Ramadan approaches.
In concluding his remarks, Mezzour reiterated that the government is working diligently and responsibly to relieve pressure on citizens, acknowledging existing errors in estimations, and reaffirming that the primary goal is to protect citizens’ purchasing power.
