Project Contexte :

The Council of Europe recently completed its Neighborhood Partnership with Morocco (2018-2021) with the aim of strengthening democratic governance at the local and regional levels in the Kingdom. As part of this program, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities implemented a project aimed at supporting Morocco in its efforts to implement the new legislation on advanced regionalization. The project was designed to help build capacity among local and regional elected officials and promote citizen participation at the local and regional levels.

In order to further its experience in the field of decentralization and advanced regionalization, Morocco sought the expertise of the Congress to address major issues related to the implementation of the process. These issues included the mechanisms of participatory democracy, the methods and means of financing available to local and regional authorities, and the status of elected representatives in Morocco and Europe.

The project focused on delivering tangible results, including capacity-building activities for local and regional elected officials, promoting citizen participation, and exploring methods and means of financing available to local and regional authorities. The Congress also provided guidance and support to Morocco as it worked to implement the new legislation on advanced regionalization and revise certain mechanisms linked to the implementation process.

This project represented a unique opportunity for the Council of Europe to contribute to the strengthening of democratic governance in Morocco and to deepen its experience in the field of decentralization and advanced regionalization. Through its work, the Congress aimed to support Morocco in building a more democratic and inclusive society that was better equipped to address the challenges of the future.

Project Description :

TALM Group was selected by The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities to provide legislative expertise on important issues facing the local government in Morocco. This project was part of a larger initiative aimed at strengthening democratic governance at the local and regional levels in the Kingdom and promoting participatory democracy, efficient local financing mechanisms, and the improvement of the status of elected officials. The company’s team of experts worked closely with the Congress, the National Associations of Local Authorities, and the Directorate General of Local Authorities (DGCT) of the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior to ensure that the project’s objectives are met.

A Steering Committee composed of representatives from the three parties provided oversight and guidance throughout the execution of the project. The Committee equipped TALM Group with all necessary information and documents to support the execution of the project and ensured the effective coordination of the mission.

This was a unique opportunity for TALM Group to contribute to the strengthening of democratic governance in Morocco and to deepen its experience in the field of participatory democracy, local financing mechanisms, and the improvement of the status of elected officials. Through its work, TALM Group aims to support Morocco in building a more democratic and inclusive society that is better equipped to address the challenges of the future.

Project Objectives :

  • Objective 1: Conduct Peer Review & Benchmark Analysis of Participatory Democracy: Compare current mechanisms in Europe & Morocco to inform recommendations for improvement.
  • Objective 2: Conduct Peer Review & Benchmark Analysis of Financing Methods: Examine and compare financing methods used by local authorities in Europe & Morocco to inform recommendations.
  • Objective 3: Conduct Peer Review & Benchmark Analysis of Elected Officials: Review & compare the status of elected officials in Morocco & Europe to inform recommendations for improvement.
  • Objective 4: Provide Legislative Support for Improvement: Provide support for the improvement of participatory democracy, financing mechanisms, and elected officials’ status to strengthen democratic governance in Morocco.