Reform of the Family Code: Here are the reactions of the main political parties

Barely the main lines of the reform of the Moudawana revealed at the end of the working session that His Majesty King Mohammed VI chaired, last Monday at the Royal Palace in Casablanca, the political formationsall ideological references combined, were keen to welcome this reform project in its entirety. Even the opposition parties welcomed the announcements made, expressing their satisfaction in turn, although their positions reflect contrasting expectations, depending on their respective visions of society and their ideological frames of reference. Among the majority parties, the announced reform of the Moudawana aroused strong support and enthusiastic reactions.

The Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS)faithful to its progressive line, welcomed the announced reforms, believing that they would contribute to strengthening theequality between men and women. In a statement made public, the party stressed that these changes were in line with the constitutional commitments of the Morocco in matters of equality. Returning to the details of the reform, the PPS supported the adoption of several points, including the recognition of the marriage contract as the only means of proving the union, the establishment of the legal age of marriage at 18, with exceptions limited to 17, and the recognition custody as a right shared between parents in the event of divorce. For the PPS, these advances are essential for the emancipation of women and the consolidation of children’s rights.

The former Communist Party also welcomed the reform concerning the regulation of polygamous marriage, which will impose stricter restrictions and conditions, as well as the valorization of women’s domestic work, as well as equality of parental responsibilities. The other important point for the PPS is the announcement of the establishment of mechanisms for the management of property acquired during the marriage.

However, despite these advances, the Party of Nabil Benabdallah announced that it would carry out a more in-depth assessment of the new provisions in subsequent stages and continue its advocacy in Parliament, in coordination with the democratic, progressive and women’s movements, to achieve full gender equality. The party further emphasizes that it would strive to counter exceptions that could weaken the reformative scope of the project, while advocating for complementary reforms, such as the reform of the family justice system and the revision of texts relating to equality. and the rights of children.

For his part, the Justice and Development Party (PJD)conservative party, also welcomed the reform of the Moudawanabut while insisting on the need for scrupulous respect for religious principles and authentic cultural values ​​of the Moroccan society. In an official statement, the PJD stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced and pragmatic approach in the formulation of reform, which must ensure not to create new social or legal tensions. The PJD clarified in this sense that “the Moudawana is not a law for men or women, but a text for the entire familyin that it must guarantee rights for women, men and children, in a dynamic of justice and respect for family balances.

The PJD also insisted on the need to adopt a legislative framework in harmony with current socio-demographic data, in particular concerns linked to the decline in the birth rate and the acceleration of demographic aging. In this regard, the Lamp Party called for measures to facilitate marriage and strengthen the stability of Moroccan families, with a view to guaranteeing their sustainability and their fundamental role in society. The party also wanted to welcome the Royal initiative to entrust the Superior Council of Ulemas with the examination of texts related to the Moudawanaparticularly those affecting religious areas, with a view to producing relevant legal opinions (fatwas). The PJD considers this decision as a guarantee of religious and legal rigor, guaranteeing that the reforms respect the principles of sharia while being adapted to social developments.

Nevertheless, the PJD insisted that the bill take into account the values ​​of solidarity, justice and equity, while preserving the religious foundations of the family. The party thus expressed its support for the reform, provided that it integrates these principles. In this sense, he stressed that vigilance must remain in the legislative process in order to ensure that the final text complies with societal expectations, while respecting the religious and cultural foundations of the country.

For its part, theSocialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP)a left-wing party and historic defender of women’s rights, has expressed clear support for reform, highlighting its progressive and egalitarian vision. The party led by Driss Lachgar considered this reform as a significant step forward for gender equality, an objective that the Union has defended since its creation. L’USFP did not fail to welcome the provisions enshrining equal rights between men and women, particularly in matters of marriage, divorce and child custody.

The Rose Party recalled in this regard that it had always supported the idea of ​​a reform making it possible to adapt the Moudawana to the current realities of Moroccan society, while ensuring that rights of women and children are protected and strengthened. The USFP rightly welcomed the Royal approach consisting of entrusting the Superior Council of Ulemas with the task of issuing legal opinions on religious texts. This measure guarantees, according to the USFP, a balanced approach which avoids the political instrumentalization of religion while meeting the contemporary needs of society.

The party also welcomed the Royal initiative which called for a broad and inclusive consultation process, involving the various stakeholders, calling it “a guarantee of transparency and respect for constitutional principles”. The USFP recalled in this regard that the reform of the Moudawana is essential to building a more just and egalitarian society, respecting the rights of all, without discrimination.

Despite varied ideological frames of reference, it seems clear that the opposition parties are united in their support for the reform project, which they consider to be a key step in strengthening the foundations of the Moroccan family. Certainly, their priorities differ on certain points, but they agree on the need for change, its objectives and the methodology adopted. Thus, if the PPS parties and the USFP advocate total equality and conformity with international standards, the PJD emphasizes the safeguarding of religious principles, particularly in matters of marriage and family rights. This divergence illustrates the challenges awaiting this reform before its adoption by Parliament and, beyond that, the diversity that characterizes Moroccan society and the importance of reconciling tradition and modernity.

In a press release published after the royal announcement relating to the revision of the Moudawana, the Popular Movement (MP) expressed its total support for this initiative, described as a “major societal project” and hailed as a decisive milestone in the evolution of family legislation in Morocco. “This project reflects an enlightened vision that responds to the rapid changes in our society while preserving the family, this fundamental base of our national cohesion,” we can read in the press release.

The Popular Movement particularly praised the participatory approach adopted for this reform, emphasizing the openness of the commission to all political and civil components, in accordance with royal guidelines. This methodology made it possible, according to the party, to ensure in-depth consultation and broad consensus. The MP also welcomed the progress contained in the project with measures which “broadly respond to the demands made by the Popular Movement and reflect a sincere desire to strengthen justice and equity within the Moroccan family”. However, the Popular Movement remains aware of the challenges that persist. On sensitive issues such as inheritance and filiation, the party recalled the need to progress with caution, while keeping the door open to Ijtihad. “It is essential that the solutions provided respect religious foundations while guaranteeing greater fairness,” the press release specifies.

Finally, the party welcomed the royal appeal inviting the Superior Council of Ulemas to continue its reflection to respond to family issues through innovative jurisprudence adapted to developments in society. The press release concludes by calling for a spirit of responsibility and unity. The examination of this project by Parliament should, according to the party, be a moment of convergence and political maturity. “This project reflects the uniqueness of our nation, capable of managing its differences wisely and responding to the aspirations of its citizens while preserving its deep identity,” insisted the Popular Movement.