Author: Imane Lechheb
The Impact of Remittances on Morocco’s Economy Remittances from Moroccans living abroad play a crucial role in supporting Morocco’s economy, covering 35% of the trade gap and contributing around 8% to the overall GDP. By the end of March 2024, remittances amounted to MAD 27.44 billion, with $11.5 billion sent back in 2023, making Morocco the second-largest recipient in the MENA region. This steady flow of foreign currency has become a lifeline for many families, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. The support from Moroccan expatriates, primarily residing in the EU, has been instrumental…
The PJD Questions Arrival of Israeli Warship at Tangier Port The recent arrival of an Israeli warship at the port of Tangier has sparked controversy, with the Party for Justice and Development (PJD) raising concerns about the implications of this event. In a written question to Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the president of the PJD’s group of deputies, Abdellah Bouanou, highlighted the potential impact of allowing an Israeli warship to dock in Tangier on Morocco’s stance on the Palestinian issue. While Spain denied access to the ship, Moroccan non-governmental organizations have condemned the decision to allow the Israeli vessel to…
The recent tragedy at the Melilla border has sparked investigations by both Moroccan and Spanish authorities, with no signs of criminal activity found on either side. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of at least 23 migrants, involved a mass attempt by nearly 1,700 individuals, primarily Sudanese, to breach the border crossing with Nador. Moroccan prosecutors justified the use of force by security forces as a necessary response to the aggressive actions of the migrants, who were armed with bladed weapons. The official death toll remains a point of contention, with human rights organizations reporting higher numbers of fatalities…
The World Bank recently announced a significant investment of $600 million in Morocco to enhance public services and bolster the public sector. This funding will be allocated to two key programs aimed at reforming state-owned enterprises and modernizing public administration. The first program, with a budget of $350 million, focuses on improving governance, restructuring, and performance monitoring within state-owned entities while encouraging fair competition. The second program, supported by $250 million, will aid the Moroccan government in digitization efforts and reforms in public finance management to enhance transparency and efficiency. Jesco Hentschel, World Bank Director for the Maghreb and Malta…
The Government of La Rioja Pursues Legal Action Against Polisario Front Leader for Unpaid Hospital Bill The Government of La Rioja in Spain is taking legal action against Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, to recover a €45,658 bill for his 44-day hospitalization in 2021. Ghali’s controversial hospitalization at San Pedro Hospital in Logroño under a false identity amidst serious accusations led to a diplomatic crisis with Morocco. Initially hidden by the previous administration, the cost of Ghali’s treatment was finally disclosed under the current Popular Party (PP) leadership. Attempts to collect the payment directly from Ghali have failed,…
Italian authorities in Milan have deported over 190 foreign migrants to their home countries in the first half of this year, showcasing a 7.8 percent surge from last year. The majority of the deportees hail from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Albania. These deportations were executed under the watchful eye of the immigration office due to various criminal activities like mistreatment, theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and residency law violations. Since assuming office, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made immigration and asylum issues a top priority. She has inked agreements with North African countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya to stem irregular…
Spain’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Africa through essential projects have taken a significant step forward as the Council of Ministers approved a €250 million loan for an Acciona-owned company. This financing will support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a desalination plant, highlighting Spain’s commitment to African development. The project, a collaboration between Acciona, Green of Africa, and Afriquia Gaz, is set to become one of the most important desalination facilities in Africa. Spain’s “Horizon Africa” strategy aims to increase Spanish businesses’ presence on the continent, with a focus on utilizing export aid credits to fund projects…
The Spanish Congress of Deputies is on the verge of passing an initiative proposed by the Popular Party (PP) that calls for negotiations with Morocco to reopen commercial customs in Melilla and Ceuta within 90 days. While the voting stance of parliamentary groups remains undisclosed, there is potential support from Vox and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s allies. The initiative has faced criticism for linking the Moroccan Sahara issue with customs reopening, seen as a political tactic to isolate the PSOE. PP Deputy Spokesperson Rafael Hernando defended the initiative, aiming to secure a majority against the government’s stance. The proposal aims…
Controversy Over Alleged Tax Breaks in Southern Provinces of Morocco Accountants in Morocco are divided over claims of tax breaks in the southern provinces. Some firms are promising significant savings to companies that set up in these regions, but experts say these promises are false and misleading. Although tax laws in Morocco apply uniformly across the country, some accountants are falsely promoting tax exemptions for companies operating in the Moroccan Sahara. This misinformation not only distorts fair competition but also creates problems for businesses that later discover they owe taxes. The Minister of Economy and Finance has condemned companies using…
The EU Takes Formal Action Against Algeria Over Trade Restrictions The European Union has officially addressed trade barriers imposed by Algeria, citing violations of their longstanding agreement. This move comes amidst escalating tensions between the regions, sparked by Spain’s shift in foreign policy regarding the Moroccan Sahara territory. Algeria’s eight trade measures implemented since 2021, including bans on key Spanish exports like marble and ceramic products, have strained EU-Algeria relations. The EU claims these actions breach the 2002 EU-Algeria Association Agreement promoting free trade. The European Commission notes a significant drop in EU exports to Algeria, with Spain being severely…