Moudawana: Reformation should not go faster than music (RNI)

The RNI adopted a flexible position which advocates the reform, but without questioning the cultural and religious values of society. Ms. Rmili thus underlined the RNI’s commitment to align with the 17 axes identified by the Royal Commission. These axes constitute the foundations of the inclusive and participative societal reform initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Moudawana: the RNI aligns with the 17 axes of reform

“We are lined up on the 17 axes emerging from the royal commission,” said Meriem Rmili, insisting on the participative nature of this process. She also recalled that more than 6,000 hours of listening had been devoted to collecting the opinions of civil society, political parties and institutions, thus demonstrating a desire to build a national consensus around the future Family code.

This approach reflects, according to Ms. Rmili, the desire to set up a progressive reform of Moudawana, in line with the social transformations that Morocco is experiencing. “It is now up to the interdepartmental commission to translate these 17 axes in the form of amendments,” she added, calling for an effective implementation of the recommendations resulting from this vast consultation.

In his answers, Meriem Rmili stressed that Moudawana, far from being a simple law, represents an essential vector of transformation for Moroccan society. For the RNI, this reform cannot be reduced to partisan debates or electoral calculations. She called for a pragmatic and balanced approach, which takes into account the aspirations of Moroccan citizens to equality, justice and dignity, highlighting the RNI’s commitment to carry a societal project that is both ambitious and Realistic, promoting the concept of equity and the strengthening of women’s rights in different areas, including those of the guardianship, heritage and marriage of minors.

The position of the PJD, a brake on societal advances

“Moudawana is a law that must support the transformation of Moroccan society. There is no question of playing on the family code has electoral ends, “she said, implicitly alluding to the Justice and Development Party (PJD). According to her, the latter, the latter has demonstrated a systematic opposition to the advances of the family code, positioning itself in phase shift in relation to the national consensus. “The PJD is the only party to have pronounced against the advances of Moudawana,” she said, insisting on the need to go beyond these ideological cleavages to advance towards a really beneficial reform for society. This opposition, according to the RNI, reflects a retrograde vision of the roles and rights of women within Moroccan society.

Insisting on the importance of strengthening the provisions guaranteeing equity between men and women in the fields of marriage, child care and inheritance, the deputy stressed that current inequalities harm social cohesion and development.

A societal balance to find

In a context where opinions oscillate between conservatism and progressivism, Ms. Rmili insisted on the importance of a balanced approach which takes into account the evolution of society. “Our role, as politicians, is to be in the center. Faced with a cleavage between two currents, one very conservative and the other very progressive, the party is intended to be a balance. “It is out of the question to go back, but we cannot go faster than music either,” she said, thus illustrating the desire to modernize the laws while respecting cultural dynamics and religious of the country.

Taâssib and inheritance sharing

Regarding the practice of Taâssib, which governs the rules of inheritance sharing in the absence of direct descendants, Meriem Rmili highlighted the possibility for individuals to use donations during their lifetime to ensure a fair distribution of their goods. It also supported the position of the Superior Council of Ulemas, which advocates an interpretation in accordance with Sharia law while meeting the contemporary needs of social justice. Addressing the question of interconfessional marriages in her relationship with heritage, Ms. Rmi recalled that the spouses have clear legal choices: the use of donations or the will. These legal tools ensure the protection of the rights of both parties while respecting the current provisions of the law.

In addition, Meriem Rmili stressed the importance of strengthening the participation of women in decision -making in the home. This goes according to this deputy through increased legal recognition of the rights of married women in the choices concerning the education of children, the management of family property and other strategic decisions.

Adaptation to societal changes

Aware of the important transformations experienced by Moroccan society, the RNI insists on the need to revise the obsolete provisions of Moudawana to align them with current realities. The party thus calls for an inclusive dialogue involving all the components of society, including religious bodies, civil society organizations and legal experts. Meriem Rmili concluded his intervention by insisting on the consensual nature of this reform, which aims to find a balance between the requirements of modernity and the respect of traditions. She recalled that Moudawana was an essential pillar of Moroccan society and that its revision was to be guided by a humanist and inclusive vision, serving all citizens.