Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Saïd Saayoud, highlighted the importance of the draft law on the country’s territorial organization, describing it as a new milestone in the state’s institutional reform process and an effort to bring the administration closer to the citizen. During a presentation before the Committee on Legal, Administrative Affairs, and Freedoms of the People’s National Assembly regarding the draft law, which aims to promote 11 administrative districts to the status of full-fledged provinces, Saayoud explained that the text constitutes “a new building block in the path of institutional reform and the strengthening of decentralization.”
The minister stated that this legislation follows the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aiming to improve public services, accelerate the response to citizen concerns, and achieve balanced and comprehensive development across the national territory. Under the new law, the country’s territorial division will expand to include 69 provinces and 1,541 municipalities. Saayoud noted that this expansion responds to several factors, including the urgent need for decentralization and the economic potential, geographical size, and population density of certain districts.
He further explained that this step is part of “the state’s new vision for territorial reorganization to ensure a real balance and reduce developmental disparities, particularly in the High Plateaus and the South.” This vision reflects the state’s commitment to providing high-quality public services through integrated administrative structures. The minister also emphasized that the process is supported by a comprehensive plan covering organizational, human, and financial aspects to ensure a smooth transition.
Saayoud confirmed that governors of the original provinces have been tasked with leading the gradual transfer of powers and obligations to prevent any disruption in public services, especially in vital sectors. This will allow the new provinces to officially begin their operations on January 1, 2027, under appropriate organizational conditions. He added that all relevant implementing texts have been prepared, including those defining electoral districts, province names, headquarters, and municipal boundaries.
Reference: link
