Strasbourg: Moroccan Experience as Partner for Democracy With the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Commended

 As part of its participation in the Second Part of the 2023 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, taking place in Strasbourg at the Seat of the European Parliament on April 24-28, 2023, the Moroccan Parliamentary Representation shed light on the record of the status of a partner for democracy that the Kingdom enjoys within the Assembly since more than 11 years; a framework where the Kingdom of Morocco proved itself as a role model for the new partners that aspire to integrate this innovating North-South Cooperation framework.

The Session took place amidst a peculiar context, given the strong concern of the PACE member and partner States regarding the poor visibility regarding the current international security situation.

During the examination of the report on the functioning of the partnership for democracy as a whole, submitted by the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy and adopted during the plenary Session, the PACE members unanimously commended the Moroccan experience while underscoring the necessity to deploy further efforts by other partners.

Rich in its successful experience, the Moroccan delegation highlighted its positive record in fulfilling the commitments taken in accordance with the European standards in terms of parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and observation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Moroccan delegation seized the opportunity to reiterate its legitimate ambition to enjoy an advanced partnership with the PACE.

It also proposed to members to examine the possibility of establishing a “democratic oversight mechanism” based on parameters that shall be determined in the future; the aim being to assist the willing neighboring countries in solidifying their democratic achievements or those vulnerable to democratic backsliding, which witnesses an alarming upsurge in times of crises.

In parallel to their participation in the plenary Session and the proceedings of the various committees, the members of the Moroccan delegation held talks with several members of the national delegations to the PACE on issues of common interest.