Morocco’s ambitious social protection program will require 39 billion dirhams in funding for 2025,rising to 41 billion dirhams in 2026,as the government expands universal healthcare and direct social assistance,Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced Tuesday.
Speaking before the Chamber of Counselors during a monthly plenary session on economic policy,Akhannouch detailed the government’s comprehensive approach to social welfare expansion. The 2024 implementation cost reached approximately 32 billion dirhams,with significant increases projected as coverage expands.
The social protection overhaul encompasses mandatory basic health insurance universalization,direct social assistance programs,and expanded retirement scheme affiliations for active workers. Additionally,unemployment compensation for workers will be generalized before year-end,ensuring economic stability for vulnerable populations.
“Consolidating the foundations of the social state has been a strategic political choice prioritized since the beginning of our mandate,” Akhannouch emphasized,framing the initiative as central to King Mohammed VI’s vision for a modern social state guaranteeing decent living standards for all Moroccans.
Healthcare reform represents a major component,with the sector’s budget increasing 65 percent from 19.7 billion dirhams in 2021 to 32.6 billion dirhams in 2025. Education reforms receive similar priority,with 85 billion dirhams allocated for 2025 and an additional 9.5 billion dirhams annually planned through 2027.
The government has also implemented significant salary increases affecting 4.25 million citizens,including 1.25 million civil servants and 3 million private sector employees,representing a 45 billion dirham commitment through 2026. These increases include 1,000 dirhams monthly raises implemented in stages,plus 15 percent minimum wage increases for non-agricultural activities.
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