Morocco to increase fight against corruption

Corruption has been described in the past a a part of Moroccan life. It has been a huge problem at every level from police throiugh to local officials accepting cash for favours, building permissions and access to public figures. Now, according to Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi, Morocco is set to forge ahead with moralizing public life and fighting corruption and economic crimes.

According to our sources, the fight against corruption has become a priority and that the Royal Palace is firmly behind a drive to wipe out the problem. It will not be an easy fight, but one that is essential.

Addressing a meeting of the ministerial commission in charge of updating and following up the governmental anti-corruption programme, El Fassi underlined the Kingdom's commitment to take the required measures at the legal and institutional levels with a view of ensuring transparence and laying the foundations of good governance.

Reiterating the government's attachment to the UN convention against corruption, the Prime Minister underlined that this social plight should be countered by advocating the principles of transparency, responsibility and control in addition to awareness raising and education.

At the end of the meeting, the commission adopted an action plan laying down measures preventing corruption and a national road map to implement the communication plan of the governmental anti-corruption programme.

The commission also tackled the preparations for the 4th conference of the parties to the UN convention against corruptions, to be held in Morocco in 2011.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers of the Interior, Justice and Communication in addition to several top officials.