Moroccan Public Sector Faces Scrutiny: Analysis of Financial Infringements and Sentencing Patterns

A recent analysis has shed light on the financial misdeeds committed by public officials in Morocco’s public sector. The study, conducted by researchers Mohamed AMRHAR and Khadija ANGADE, examined 139 final judgments issued between 2013 and 2019 against 139 public officials who had engaged in various financial infringements during their employment.

Rejection of Appeals

The Chamber of Financial and Budgetary Discipline (CDBF) rejected 96 appeals, ruling that the original verdicts were correct and justified. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Appeal of the judgments pronounced by the Regional Audit Courts upheld 43 original verdicts.

Sentencing Patterns

To examine sentencing patterns, researchers assessed the correlation between occupation type (Y variable) and sentencing pattern (X variable). They used a five-point Likert scale to link occupation type to average fine amounts.

Occupations Most Frequently Targeted

The analysis revealed that public accountants were among those most frequently targeted, with 21% of judgments against them. The highest financial penalty imposed on a public accountant was $173,166.

• Local government officials, including elected members and presidents of communes, were also subject to scrutiny, with 11.5% of judgments related to this sector. The heaviest fine in this sector was $38,000.
• Education and training sector officials, including regional directors, provincial delegates, secretary generals, deans, teachers/researchers, and department heads, accounted for 21% of judgments. The highest financial penalty imposed on a university president was $90,000.

Confirmation of Initial Verdicts

The Chamber of Appeal confirmed the rightness of 43 initial verdicts, with penalties ranging from $122 to $173,166, affecting only two categories of public officials: public accountants and elected representatives of local governments.

Upward Reversal of Sentences

In contrast, the CDBF upheld 96 initial verdicts, imposing financial sanctions ranging from $100 to $90,000 on both high-ranking officials (such as general directors, regional directors, provincial delegates, secretary generals, deans, teachers/researchers, and department heads) and low-ranking officials (such as treasurers, administrators, and technicians).

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in Morocco’s public sector, particularly among high-ranking officials who are often insulated from scrutiny. As the country continues to grapple with corruption and mismanagement, such analyses can help inform reforms aimed at promoting a more accountable and transparent government.