Moroccan MPs Face Tax Crackdown: Government Rejects Political Privilege in Push for Fiscal Equity

MPs have denounced what they see as increasing pressure to settle their tax arrears. Some try to justify non-compliance with tax obligations by the non-realization of profits or the increase in costs linked to the rise in the minimum wage in the agricultural and industrial sectors, reports Assabah. Believing they would benefit from a certain privilege, some MPs have turned to leaders of their parties. The latter have categorically refused. The Deputy Minister in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaâ, is also playing the card of firmness. He rejects any political mediation and invites those who believe they are unfairly taxed to exercise their right of appeal in the context of tax disputes.

For him, any taxpayer, whether a ordinary citizen, an economic player or an elected official, must fulfill their tax obligations. Otherwise, they will be subject to late payment penalties. He calls on the members of the parliamentary finance committees to visit the DGI premises to see the rigorous work of the agents, in particular thanks to an advanced information system, capable of detecting inconsistencies. There is neither abuse nor settling of scores, but a firm determination to ensure tax equity, assured Lekjaâ. And to emphasize: "Those who make profits must pay a share to the State to finance infrastructure and social programs".

Several observations are at the origin of this tax pressure. It was discovered that nearly 3 million production units were operating in the informal sector, while generating colossal profits, invested in assets such as real estate, gold or luxury cars, while escaping taxation. Some companies would even have produced fictitious invoices, "causing significant losses to the public treasury."