Morocco Launches Probe into Alleged Tax Mismanagement by Former City Officials

The collection of local taxes by the former municipal councils has suffered from some dysfunctions. This is what the new municipal elected officials revealed during their sessions held at the beginning of this month, suspecting their predecessors of embezzlement. They have sent several reports to the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of the Interior, which has opened an investigation into these violations observed in particular in the large cities then led by PJD elected officials, reported the daily Al Akhbar.

According to a study by the Directorate General of Local Authorities, the municipalities have a potential tax base that can be improved with a significant contribution of competent human resources and the necessary technical means. The study also suggests looking for resources to provide financial incentives to executives and employees.

To read: Moroccan Court Upholds Suspension of Local Official Accused of Embezzlement

Former municipal presidents had been singled out by the Court of Auditors for their poor management of local taxation, the same source recalls, specifying that most of the municipalities concerned did not have a clear strategy to manage and develop their tax revenues.

In a recent report, the Court of Auditors revealed numerous dysfunctions in the management of local taxes, stressing that most municipalities do not list the legal and natural persons subject to local taxes and fees, let alone their real estate and other elements subject to professional taxes.