Hicham Balaoui: Embedding the Principles of Good Governance and Transparency Is Key to Achieving Sustainable Development

Speaking at the opening session of a meeting themed “Strengthening Judicial and Administrative Oversight Mechanisms in the Management of Public Funds,” Mr. Balaoui stressed that “anchoring the principles of good governance and transparency in management, as well as combating all forms of irregularities that may affect public funds, constitutes one of the main levers for achieving sustainable development.”

He noted that the moralization of public life is a matter of great relevance today, given its connection to strengthening judicial and administrative oversight mechanisms in managing public funds, which are considered a fundamental pillar for ensuring good governance of public services and protecting public resources.

According to Mr. Balaoui, the fight against corruption “is not merely a temporary process tied to implementing an action plan, a specific reform, or particular recommendations. It is, above all, a long-term effort that requires the continuous development of oversight mechanisms to provide proactive tools capable of addressing risks that threaten public funds, which form the foundation of all economic and social development.”

In this regard, he recalled that Morocco has made significant efforts in combating corruption and promoting integrity in public life, citing the Kingdom’s accession to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the subsequent measures and procedures, the most important of which is the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, based on a set of guiding principles and objectives.

He added that these efforts also include the creation of specialized financial crime divisions, the establishment of judicial police units dedicated to such offenses, the enactment of a law protecting witnesses, whistleblowers, victims, and experts, as well as amendments to the law on combating money laundering.

Mr. Balaoui concluded by emphasizing that the Presidency of the Public Prosecution has made the protection of public funds and the fight against financial corruption one of the constant priorities of the criminal policy it implements, as reflected in the many circulars addressed to the public prosecutors in this regard.

The two-day meeting will examine the central role of judicial and administrative oversight in the management of public funds, assess the existing control and audit mechanisms within ministerial departments, and review the foundations of a judicial approach to handling cases related to public finances.

The event is organized by the Presidency of the Public Prosecution, in partnership with the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, the Court of Accounts, and the General Inspectorate of Finance.

Editorial team/le7tv