Conflict Over Institutional Representation in Moroccan Legislation
The parliamentary team of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) has expressed reservations regarding the request from the Moroccan Confederation of Very Small, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CPME) for permanent institutional representation within the legislative body. This demand aims to ensure that laws are tailored to fit the realities and scales of these enterprises within the economic framework. The CGEM asserts the necessity of adhering to constitutional and legal stipulations concerning membership in the second parliamentary chamber.
In a statement to Hespress, Youssef Alaoui, head of the CGEM parliamentary team, emphasized that this 'patronage team' represents the largest cohort of employers in Morocco. He pointed out that their union is recognized officially within the legislative context. Alaoui further noted that the parliamentary team in the second chamber advocates for the interests of all businesses, without exception or discrimination.
He highlighted that approximately 90% of CGEM members are from very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with a few larger groups included, which reflects the actual state of the sector and confirms the union's representation of the vast majority of businesses. He stated that no entity can claim entry into the legislative institution outside the legal framework.
Alaoui also indicated that the legislator has established a clear legal framework for representation, and the current issue lies in the fact that many organizations claim to be the true representatives. He noted that CGEM is organized similarly to unions and political parties, where no single party can unilaterally decide to represent the sector. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws governing representative institutions to ensure legitimate representation.
Furthermore, the CGEM parliamentary team's efforts to protect businesses encompass all economic entities, regardless of their size. Alaoui emphasized that various benefits have been extended to all, including tax reductions for small business profits and the introduction of legislation to regulate the right to strike.
Demands from Small Enterprises and the Path Forward
On the other hand, the CPME has also called for membership in the administrative councils of public institutions such as Bank Al-Maghrib and the Office of Vocational Training. They have recommended the 'Maillage' program to establish direct contracts between large companies and very small enterprises, ensuring financial advances and payments within 30 days.
The CPME has articulated that small businesses in Morocco are not seeking charity but rather a suitable regulatory environment. The upcoming first national forum for very small enterprises, scheduled for June 27-28, 2026, is expected to be a pivotal moment for transforming these proposals into legislative reality.
A national study conducted by the CPME has revealed that the primary obstacle hindering the growth of very small enterprises in Morocco is not their limited capabilities but rather the incompatibility of the existing economic, administrative, and financial systems. This has led to what the study describes as a deep structural crisis threatening the backbone of the national economy, given that these enterprises constitute 97% of the business landscape yet face systematic exclusion from funding mechanisms and markets.
Moreover, the study indicates that Morocco is home to over 4 million very small enterprises (specifically, 4,185,580), defined as businesses with annual revenues not exceeding 3 million dirhams. However, this productive force encounters a wall of challenges that impede its growth and sustainability.
As reported by hespress.com.
