Morocco reduces government from 38 to 34 members
Morocco, Politics, 6/9/2004

The size of the Moroccan government was reduced, Tuesday, to 34 members, in addition to prime minister, Driss Jettou, instead of 38 members in the previous government, set up in 7 November 2002.

This came part of a "technical ministerial readjustment," announced Tuesday, after the appointment of new members by king Mohammed VI.

The new government comprises four newcomers. They are Minister in charge of the Modernization of the Public Sector, Mohamed Boussaid, Minister of Industry, Trade and Upgrading Economy, Salaheddine Mezouar, Secretary of state in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries and in charge of Rural Development, Mohamed Mohattane, and secretary of state in the ministry of National Education, Higher Education, Staff Training, scientific Research, and in charge of literacy and non-formal education.

Abderrahim Harouchi, former health minister in the government of Abderrahmane Youssoufi (March 1998 to October 2002), is also part of the new lineup. He was appointed minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity.

In addition to the prime minister, the new government is composed of 34 members, including one minister of state, 27 ministers and 6 secretary of states. The new team also includes two women, namely Nouzha Chekrouni, who kept her post as delegate minister in charge of Moroccan expatriates, and Yasmina Badou, who was appointed secretary of state in the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Solidarity.

This readjustment aims at "adapting the structure and the composition of the Government to the priorities and programs that must be carried out by the Government, in conformity with the high orientations of HM the King," said, earlier, spokesman for the palace, Hassan Aourid.

Since 1990, this is the first governmental composition that does not include a Ministry of Human Rights.

The new government, the spokesman said, was appointed upon "proposal of the Prime Minister, in accordance with article 24 of the constitution."

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