In the administrative capital of Rabat, Morocco, the Court of Auditors has released its latest financial review detailing the allocation of public funds to the nation's political parties for the year 2024. According to the comprehensive audit, the Kingdom disbursed a total of MAD 65.84 million to 17 out of 33 registered political organizations. This figure accounts for approximately 46% of the MAD 142 million specifically earmarked in the national budget for party financing, marking a modest 9% increase compared to the MAD 60.48 million distributed in 2023.
Strict Legal Standards and Eligibility Criteria in Rabat
The distribution of state financial support is strictly regulated under Article 33 of Organic Law No. 29.11, which governs political parties in Morocco. These funds are designated to assist organizations in covering essential operating expenses, organizing regular national congresses, and conducting vital missions, studies, and research. However, the report noted that zero funds were disbursed in 2024 for specialized missions and research due to ongoing revisions in the regulatory framework, following recommendations previously issued by the Court of Auditors in its 2022 assessment.
Significantly, the audit revealed that 16 political formations across Morocco received absolute zero public funding during the fiscal year. These entities failed to satisfy one or more mandatory legal eligibility requirements. The list includes notable names such as the Popular Movement, the Unified Socialist Party, the Moroccan Green Party, the Social Democratic Movement, and the National Union of Popular Forces, alongside several other smaller political groupings.
Dependency on State Subsidies Across Moroccan Parties
The financial analysis underscores a profound reliance on state backing among various political actors. Public funding constituted nearly 50% of all financial resources declared by political parties collectively in 2024, continuing a downward trend from 58% in 2023 and 53% in 2022. Nevertheless, the degree of financial autonomy varies dramatically across the political spectrum.
For six specific formations—including the Democratic Forces Front, the Moroccan Liberal Party, and the Shura and Independence Party—state support accounted for a staggering 100% of their declared resources. Another group of six parties relied on public funds for 75% to 99% of their budgets. Meanwhile, larger and more established national parties, such as the National Rally of Independents, the Istiqlal Party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, the Party of Progress and Socialism, and the Justice and Development Party, demonstrated greater financial diversification, with public funding accounting for less than 75% of their total declared revenue streams.
Broader Context of Financial Transparency in Morocco
This rigorous oversight by the Court of Auditors reflects Morocco's ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring absolute fiscal transparency, and maintaining high standards of accountability within public administration. By enforcing strict compliance with electoral and financial laws, Moroccan authorities continue to foster a more mature and responsible political landscape capable of serving the nation's ambitious development goals under its enlightened leadership.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
