Livestock Import: PPS Calls for Commission to Investigate Import Subsidy Controversy

PPS condemned remarks made by Akhannouch, who reportedly described calls from the opposition for a fact-finding committee initiative as a “political grandstanding.”

Rabat – The Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) has reiterated the need to establish a parliamentary fact-finding commission amid growing concerns over the effectiveness of government subsidies for livestock imports.

The party issued a statement today following Tuesday’s meeting to discuss recent national and international developments, including mounting concerns over the subsidies for livestock imports.

“The political bureau once again highlighted the significant meaning behind the opposition parties’ initiative to have the House of Representatives form a fact-finding commission on the circumstances and impacts of direct subsidies and customs and tax exemptions granted by the government to importers of sheep and cattle,” PPS wrote.

The party sees this measure as ineffective and “without any notable positive impact on citizens, calling on MPs to join the effort to uncover “the full truth before public opinion.”

The party also criticized remarks made by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, who described the opposition’s fact-finding committee initiative as “political grandstanding.”

“The truth is that there is an optimal institutional and constitutional pathway to prove whether there is truth or falsehood in the livestock import case,” the party said.

PPS Secretary General Nabil Benabdellah made the same appeal in March, disclosing that the tax exemption granted by the government to sheep and cattle importers amounted to $1.38 billion from 2022 to 2024.

Benabdellah cited an official document from the government, noting that 277 importers benefited from these exemptions.

Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) called for a similar investigation in March.

These calls come as the country navigates a severe drought crisis, with the alarming situation prompting authorities around Morocco to issue special measures.

In addition to the subsidy program for cattle growers, Morocco has also notably canceled Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual amid the notable decrease in the country’s livestock population.

The country also implemented a ban on the slaughter of female sheep and goats until the end of March 2026.