Casablanca-Settat Regional Council

Casablanca-Settat Regional Council
Name	Casablanca-Settat Regional Council
Native name	Conseil régional de Casablanca-Settat
Region	Casablanca-Settat
Country	Morocco
Formed	2015
Seat	Casablanca
Leader title	President
Leader name	(see text)
Members	98
Website	(official)

Casablanca-Settat Regional Council is the deliberative assembly for the Moroccan region of Casablanca-Settat, responsible for regional planning, investment promotion, and oversight of certain public services in and around Casablanca, Mohammedia, El Jadida, and Settat. Created as part of the territorial reform enacted under Constitution of Morocco (2011), the council interfaces with national ministries such as the Ministry of Interior (Morocco), regional prefectures like the Prefecture of Casablanca, and international partners including multilateral banks. It sits at the intersection of initiatives led by entities such as Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Casablanca Finance City, Office Cherifien des Phosphates, and private investors from United Arab Emirates and France.

History

The council was established following the 2015 regionalization reform that reorganized regions from 16 to 12, a process grounded in provisions of the Constitution of Morocco (2011) and implemented via laws debated in the House of Representatives (Morocco) and the House of Councillors (Morocco). The creation unified historic jurisdictions including Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha, and portions of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, aligning with development strategies promoted by successive governments of Abdelilah Benkirane and Saadeddine Othmani. Early sessions engaged with urban plans influenced by projects such as Casa-Voyageurs station upgrades, coordination with Agence Urbaine de Casablanca, and collaboration with private operators like BMCE Bank and Attijariwafa Bank.

Organization and Membership

The council is composed of elected regional councilors, with membership size set by national electoral law and local decrees; it generally includes representatives from municipalities such as Mohammedia and El Jadida and provinces like Benslimane. Leadership comprises a President, vice-presidents, and commissions mirroring portfolios seen in bodies such as Régie Autonome de Distribution d'Eau et d'Électricité de Casablanca and regional directorates tied to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Morocco). Political groups represented span parties including Istiqlal Party, Justice and Development Party (Morocco), Authenticity and Modernity Party, and National Rally of Independents, with councilors often concurrently active in municipal councils such as Casablanca City Council.

Functions and Powers

Statutory competencies derive from decentralization statutes enacted by the Government of Morocco (2011–2017) and subsequent ministerial decrees, assigning responsibilities in spatial planning, economic promotion, and vocational training linked to agencies like Office de Tourisme de Casablanca. The council develops regional strategic plans comparable to frameworks used by Région Île-de-France and liaises with instrumentalities including Agence de Développement du Nord for investment facilitation. It oversees regional transport policy in coordination with operators such as ONCF and Casa Tramway, and manages programs in sectors where entities like Office National de l'Electricité et de l'Eau Potable and ANAPEC are stakeholders.

Political Composition and Elections

Councilors are elected indirectly via local councils after municipal and provincial elections organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior (Morocco) and regulated by the Electoral Code of Morocco. Electoral outcomes reflect dynamics among national parties such as Istiqlal Party, Socialist Union of Popular Forces, and Authenticity and Modernity Party, and have been influenced by political figures including Mustapha Bakkoury and municipal leaders like Hassan Najmi. Coalitions and voting blocs within the council mirror alliances seen in the Parliament of Morocco and affect appointments to presidencies and commissions.

Budget and Economic Development Initiatives

The council's budget combines transfers from the State Budget (Morocco), locally raised taxes, and earmarked funding from projects backed by institutions like the African Development Bank and bilateral partners including France and Germany. Fiscal planning supports initiatives in industrial zones tied to Casablanca Finance City, port hinterland improvements at Port of Casablanca, and tourism promotion in coastal municipalities such as Ain Diab and Oualidia. The council coordinates workforce development projects with Office de la Formation Professionnelle et de la Promotion du Travail and investment promotion campaigns involving chambers like the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services.

Major Projects and Infrastructure

Major undertakings include contributions to transport infrastructure involving Casa Tramway, collaboration on rail upgrades with ONCF, and urban renewal programs near landmarks such as Habous Quarter and Quartier des Habous. The council has engaged in coastal protection and wastewater management in partnership with entities like Lydec and has supported industrial park development proximate to Jorf Lasfar supply chains managed by Office Cherifien des Phosphates. Public–private partnerships have involved firms such as Société Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc for road projects and construction companies active in the Greater Casablanca metropolitan area.

Relations with National and Local Authorities

Intergovernmental relations are structured through channels involving the Ministry of Interior (Morocco), regional governors (walis) appointed by the Monarchy of Morocco, and municipal governments including the Prefecture of Casablanca. The council cooperates with national agencies like ANRT and Agence Marocaine de Développement des Investissements et des Exportations to align regional plans with national strategies such as the Plan Maroc Vert and industrial policy programs advocated by successive cabinets. It also engages with international partners including the European Union and United Nations Development Programme on sustainable development projects.

Category:Politics of Morocco Category:Regions of Morocco