Back-to-school hot issues

In a context marked by uncertainties, the start of the new school year promises to be very tense. The issue of water will be the big unknown. It must be the primary concern of the Government, but also of farmers and citizens, especially since, if it does not rain in September, the future will be somewhat compromised. It is sowing time and without water in the dams, no one will want to predict the future.

The alternative presented by desalination stations will not be able to bear fruit immediately. The picture darkens when one thinks of soaring prices, galloping inflation, and  a Compensation Fund (of subsidies to basic commodities) under pressure. These are so many constraints that the Government will put on the table during the social dialogue session in September. In principle, the provisions of the agreement of last April 30 should be applied from next month onwards. This was to be the case with the five percent increase in the minimum wage. However, for the time being, the implementing decree has not yet been published. Ditto for the increases in family allowances which will have to move from 36 to 100 Dirhams for the fourth, fifth, and sixth child. All of this will have to be budgeted for in the Draft Budget Law for 2023, which is currently being prepared. This legislation must be tabled in Parliament before October 20th.

■ The spotlight on the return to Parliament after the summer break: The reopening of the Parliamentary session will be closely scrutinized. Indeed, the opening of the autumn session will be inaugurated by the King who will deliver a speech to the MPs of the two chambers in joint session. This event will mark the real political return and the speech will be considered as the roadmap for the coming year. In any case, within the House of Representatives, several pieces of legislation are expected. The star is undoubtedly the Draft Budget Law for 2023, which will occupy most of the time in Parliament. Also on the menu is the reform of the organic budget law.

■ Increasing the share of private investment : The idea is to reverse the current trend in the distribution of these investments in order to allow the private sector to make two-thirds of the overall investment by 2035. In addition to the creation of stable jobs and the reduction of disparities between provinces in terms of attracting investment, the Government wants to direct investment towards priority sectors and professions of the future. Also on the menu is the incentive to substitute imports with local production.

■ After the reform of the health system, 6 bills in the pipeline: The other framework bill on the agenda of the extraordinary session involves the reform of the health system. Other legislative and regulatory pieces of legislation are also being prepared. Indeed, 6 bills are in the pipeline to support the generalization of social protection.

A.Na