Address of the Speaker of the House of Representatives at Joint Meeting of the Finance Committees of the Parliament Devoted to the "Special Account for Managing the Impacts of the Earthquake in the Kingdom of Morocco" 11/09/2023

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, and peace and prayer be upon His most noble Messenger

Honorable Speaker of the House of Councilors,

Esteemed Minister,

Distinguished Chairperson of the Finance and Economic Development Committee at the House of Representatives,

Distinguished Chairperson of the Finance, Planning, and Regional Development Committee at the House of Councilors,

Ladies and gentlemen the honorable Parliamentarians,

Before tackling the meeting’s order of business, I invite you, ladies and gentlemen, to recite Al-Fatiha in memory of the victims of the earthquake that struck several regions of our country.

Recitation of Al-Fatiha.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 70 of the Constitution and Article 26 of the Organic Law on the Finance Act, we hold this joint meeting between the two Finance Committees at both Houses of the Parliament to notify them of the creation of a special treasury account called: "Special Account for Managing the Impacts of the Earthquake in the Kingdom of Morocco," under the high royal directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah glorify and assist him.

The meeting is being held, ladies and gentlemen, amidst a tragic national atmosphere our country is witnessing following the devastating earthquake that has impacted numerous citizens and caused massive loss of life, buildings, and property.

We are in a moving moment that we seize to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Commander of the Faithful, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah glorify him, and to the families of the victims, expressing to their families and relatives our most profound sympathy and firm solidarity in their distress.

Our country has managed, thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, to make success possible in the darkest and toughest moments. The manifestations of national solidarity and synergy are a moral strength that reinforces within us all the feeling of pride at belonging to this beloved homeland. It is a deep and sincere feeling through which each of us feels that his country is his fortress and dignity. Such a sacred feeling undoubtedly solidifies our resilience in the face of hardships, fluctuations, and crises.

Since the first moments of this distressing calamity, we have witnessed a strong wave of spontaneous and sincere solidarity from all social categories. Besides, several friendly and brotherly States have kindly offered assistance and aid.

Such unprecedented mobilization is a testament to the position of the Kingdom of Morocco, under the wise and prescient leadership of His Majesty the King, within international fora and amongst all nations and peoples.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As the Houses of Representatives and Councilors had always coordinated closely their proceedings and initiatives, we will work in coordination with my brother, the Speaker of the House of Councilors, and the decision-making bodies of the two Houses, both at the level of the material contribution and the constitutional prerogatives of the two Houses, in order to render our joint action a lever and support that benefits our country and our beloved citizens who have suffered the repercussions of this natural disaster.

I conclude my words with noble verse: “[…] But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: ‘To Allah we belong and to Him shall be our return.’ Those are the ones upon whom descend blessings from their Lord and mercy, and they are the ones rightly guided.” Sadaqa Allah Al-Adim

I now give the floor to you, esteemed Minister.