Organisation and powers
- The municipal council is elected by direct universal suffrage; it elects its president, who is the municipality's executive authority.
- The municipality exercises its own powers, powers shared with the State and transferred powers.
- The president exercises municipal administrative police powers through regulatory orders and individual measures, in particular in matters of town planning, public health and occupation of the public domain.
Oversight and litigation
- Deliberations and orders are sent to the supervisory authority, which may object to them within the time limits laid down by law.
- Municipal acts may be challenged by an action for annulment on grounds of ultra vires (excès de pouvoir) before the Administrative Court.
- Local public services may be managed directly by the municipality, through a local development company or under delegated management.
Key articles
A lawyer's points to watch
- A refusal of a municipal authorisation must state its reasons and be notified: insist on a written decision before bringing an appeal.
- The time limit for an action for annulment runs from notification or publication of the act.
- The administration's silence may amount to acceptance or refusal depending on the applicable texts: check the relevant procedure.
The English text on this page, including the quoted articles, is an unofficial translation. Information sheet prepared by Maître Lahfaia Law Firm, Rabat. It does not constitute legal advice. Only the text published in the Official Bulletin of the Kingdom of Morocco is authoritative; the articles cited may have been amended since this sheet was written.