House of Representatives Adopts Three Government Bills on State of Public Health Emergency and its Implications
The House of Representatives adopted, on Thursday, April 30th, 2020, three Government bills on the state of public health emergency and its implications. The bills are Government Bill 23.20 approving decree-law 2.20.292 enacting special measures to the state of public health emergency and the measures to declare it; Government Bill 26.20 approving decree-law 2.20.320 on suspending foreign-debt ceiling; and Government Bill 27.20 enacting special provisions on the activities of the executive bodies of joint-stock companies and the modalities of convention of their shareholders’ meetings during the state of public health emergency. The adoption took place in a plenary session chaired by the House’s Speaker Habib El Malki, with the participation of Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Leftit and Minister of Economy, Finance, and Administration Reform Mohamed Benchaaboun.
The presentation of Government bills 23.20 and 26.20 approving respectively decree-laws 2.20.292 and 2.20.320 before the House comes under the provisions of Article 81 of the Constitution, and following passing the two bills by the relevant committees at the two Houses of the Parliament during the intersession and their publication on the official gazette.
In his presentation of Government bill 23.20, Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Leftit noted that following decree-law 2.20.292 enacting special measures on the state of public health emergency and the measures to declare it, the Government declared a national state of public health emergency until April, 20th, 2020, and then extended it to May, 20th, to ensure the success of the precautionary measures taken to protect people and their safety and to stop the outbreak of COVID-19.
On his part, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Administration Reform Mohamed Benchaaboun confirmed that the measures taken under decree-law 2.20.320 on suspending foreign-debt ceiling, are part of the urgent steps taken to stop the consequences of COVID-19 on most vital sectors of national economy. He also highlighted that the Kingdom still enjoys the trust of international finance organizations despite the current situation, which allows it to obtain external financing with favorable conditions.
Government Bill 27.20 enacting special provisions on the activities of the executive bodies of joint-stock companies and the modalities of convention of their shareholders’ meetings during the state of public health emergency aims at supplementing the measures taken by the Government in favor of enterprises to ensure the viability of vital sectors. The bill also sets out provisions that suspend the rules provided for in the law on joint-stock companies, relative to the call for, notice, deliberations, and the convention of the meetings of shareholders, or executive or monitoring bodies of joint-stock companies during the state of public health emergency, to set flexible and suitable measures for these companies.
Upon discussing the Government bills, the deputies, representing parliamentary groups and caucus, expressed their pride in the successful preemptive policy and wise leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, may God protect him, in managing the health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19. They also commended His Majesty’s initiative of combining the efforts of Africa to face the outbreak of this pandemic.
Also, the deputies praised the awareness and solidarity shown by the Moroccan people, and the mobilization of the Government, Parliament, political parties, unions, local authorities, national security and auxiliary forces, civil protection, sanitation workers, civil and military medical staff, teachers, citizens, civil society and media behind HM the King may God glorify Him. This mobilization allowed our country to take preemptive measures to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 and its impacts.
Besides, the deputies urged to integrate the informal sector in the support measures, assist the small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable groups, and exempt citizens from bank interests during the state of public health emergency. They also called to accelerate the digitization process and consolidate the trust in youth and initiatives, expressing their pride in national industries and their ability to adapt and create during this period.
The deputies also requested rational management of public expenses and called to think of the period that follows lifting the state of public health emergency. In addition, they suggested a consuming policy that favors local products, and investing in human capital, primarily through prioritizing health and education.