Moroccan parliamentary members criticized the government’s subsidy to sheep importers, urging direct financial aid for the poor and tighter price regulations.
Parliamentary representative Nabil Dakch of the People’s Movement party criticized the government’s decision to subsidize sheep importers with 500 dirhams per head imported for Eid al-Adha.
The Moroccan government said a few days ago it will subsidize the import with a sum of 500 dirhams per sheep, with the condition that the sacrificial animals are sold within the price range of 50 to 55 dirhams per kilogram.
The government also canceled import fees and other taxes to ensure the availability of sheep in local markets at affordable prices.
Dakch has nevertheless doubted the moves and called for more transparency and price regulations as he fears the move will not protect people from market speculators.
To him, direct support for poor people was a better choice, instead of handing 500 Dhs for each head to sheep importers.
Hind Al-Ratal Benani, a member of the Legislative and Justice Committee of the Moroccan Parliament, also criticized the government’s decision two weeks ago.
She stated that the primary beneficiary of this project would be large investors and big farmers who would import these sheep, enjoy tax exemptions, buy them at lower prices, and sell them in the local market at higher prices.
The Moroccan Times.
