Rabat:Morocco’s Parliament is set to open the first session of its 12th legislative term on Friday, with significant political, economic, and social challenges on the agenda. Lawmakers will be tasked with responding to calls for a more effective parliamentary role as the country navigates its current socio-economic climate.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the session coincides with ongoing consultations regarding the formation of a new government following the September 23 parliamentary elections, which altered the political landscape of the lower house. This period will also feature the election of a House Speaker and the renewal of parliamentary internal structures.

Both majority and opposition lawmakers are expected to play a crucial role in shaping public policy, focusing on macroeconomic management, the foundations of the social State, and efforts to advance major development programs throughout the country. An early test for the new House will be the 2027 Finance Bill, amid global economic uncertainty.

Abdelaziz Karraky, a political science researcher at Mohammed V University in Rabat, emphasized the importance of the bill as a “real barometer” of the new parliament’s performance. He highlighted the need for the House to prioritize employment, reduce regional disparities, and strengthen social protection. Karraky also stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary oversight of public investment in Morocco’s regions and municipalities, particularly in rural, mountainous, and oasis areas.

Youth employment and the integration of university graduates into the labor market should be top priorities, Karraky noted, alongside consolidating the foundations of the social State. He advocated for stronger parliamentary diplomacy and a renewed approach aligned with Morocco’s strategic priorities, urging lawmakers to propose substantive legislative initiatives to rebuild public confidence in Parliament.

The new legislature faces the challenge of strengthening Parliament’s role in promoting inclusive development through effective legislation, oversight, and evaluation of government action, ensuring that parliamentary initiatives align with citizens’ expectations.