Government Approves Draft Decree on Financial Support for Candidates Under 35

Rabat — The Moroccan government has approved a draft decree aimed at strengthening youth participation in political life by introducing public financial support for electoral lists led by candidates under the age of 35.

Meeting on Thursday in Rabat under the chairmanship of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, the Council of Government adopted draft decree No. 2.26.311, which sets out the conditions and procedures for granting public funding to candidate lists presented in general elections for the House of Representatives.

Presented by the Minister of the Interior, the measure applies to local and regional electoral constituencies and covers both independent candidates and those affiliated with political parties. According to government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas, the text defines the framework governing eligibility criteria and the mechanisms for distributing financial support to youth-led lists.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to encourage younger participation in representative institutions and to lower barriers to entry for emerging political actors.

Institutional decisions 

In the same session, the Council examined draft law No. 08.26 amending the legal framework of the National Office for University Social and Cultural Works. The proposal, however, was postponed for further discussion at a future meeting.

The Council also took note of a military cooperation agreement signed between Morocco and The Gambia on October 29, 2025, in Rabat. A related draft law approving the agreement was presented for consideration, reflecting ongoing efforts to deepen defense cooperation with African partners.

In parallel, the government approved draft decree No. 2.25.261 establishing a code of ethics for members of the chambers of commerce, industry, and services. The decree outlines principles and standards of conduct aimed at reinforcing transparency, integrity, and accountability within these institutions.

Senior appointments 

The Council concluded its session by approving a series of high-level appointments across several ministries.

At the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, new directors were named for higher institutes of nursing and health professions in Rabat and Tangier. 

In the fisheries sector, a new director was appointed to the Higher Institute of Maritime Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Within the Ministry of Higher Education, a new director was designated for the National School of Business and Management in Ain Sebaâ, Casablanca. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication appointed a new inspector general for the youth sector.

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