Morocco’s Lower House Adopts 2025 Finance Bill’s First Part by Majority Vote

Following a 23-hour discussion session, the first part of the 2025 Finance Bill was approved by 26 votes in favor and 11 against. 

More than 540 amendments were submitted during the session, which was attended by Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa.

“Proceedings were marked by a healthy and responsible debate between the government and deputies from the majority and the opposition,” Chairwoman of the Finance and Economic Development Commission Zaina Chahim stressed to MAP following the session, adding that the government had responded favorably to several proposed amendments.

Chahim also pointed out that the main amendments concern the African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline as well as continental (African Cup of Nations – AFCON) and international (World Cup 2030) sporting events to be hosted by the Kingdom, in addition to the modification of some legislative provisions, notably those relating to the Customs Code and the Tax Code.

Referring to the amendments made to certain legislative provisions in support of national industry, Chahim stated that the Government had also taken into account amendments submitted by the opposition and the majority concerning measures and procedures relating to notaries.

Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah had previously affirmed to the Finance and Economic Development Commission, during the general discussion sessions on the Finance Bill, that this legislative text reflects the government’s firm will to pursue efforts to implement the government’s 2021-2026 program commitments, while adapting to successive crises and each year’s economic situation.

She also noted that the continuity of the government program, despite an uncertain international context and a domestic environment of numerous challenges, illustrates the stability of government policy and its resilience to crises.

The Minister also underlined the government’s confidence in achieving the growth rate forecast for 2025, based on accurate national data and taking into account global forecasts, notably in the euro zone, Morocco’s leading economic partner. 

She then highlighted the social measures implemented by the government, such as the increase in the share of value-added tax (VAT) granted to local authorities from 30% to 32%, as well as the improvement in employees’ income thanks to the reduction in income tax (IR).

Fettah further stated that a whopping 340 billion dirhams has been granted to public investment in 2025, in light of major projects and ambitions for the upcoming phase, including 17.6 billion dirhams for the equipment and water sector, 11.6 billion dirhams for agriculture and 6.6 billion dirhams for housing, noting that these investments directly benefit Moroccan companies.

The Finance and Economic Development Commission of the House of Representatives adopted on Wednesday by a majority vote the first part of the 2025 Finance Bill.
13 November 2024
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