On the verge of a social explosion, Morocco will pay direct social assistance to a million families

Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco is setting up, for the first time, a system of social assistance paid directly, regardless of the composition of the family. The objective is to stem the social crisis.

For the first time in its history, Morocco will distribute direct and monthly social assistance. A million disadvantaged families are affected. They will receive at least 500 dirhams, a little more than 45 euros. This is the result of a vast reform desired by King Mohammed VI at a time when a social explosion threatens Morocco.

It is unprecedented, direct social assistance, distributed regardless of the composition of the family. Morocco is releasing a budget of around 2.3 billion euros for the year 2024. Mohammed VI is behind this social revolution for the benefit of Moroccans in difficulty. Until then, aid was indirect and untargeted. Morocco subsidized consumer products. For the first time, low-income families eligible for this vast program will be able to start receiving direct social assistance from the State from Thursday, December 28. In all, at least 10 million families will be affected in a country of 37 million inhabitants.

A very difficult situation

It is a necessity for Morocco which is on the verge of a social explosion. The Moroccan government itself recognizes that the internal situation is difficult. Last spring, we heard the anger in cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, or the capital Rabat. The demonstrators were protesting against the high cost of living and poverty. In 2022, the price index increased by 11%, and in the third quarter of this year it already showed a 9% increase. In Morocco, the average salary is around 450 euros, and a third of the family budget is devoted to food. Unemployment affects more than 1.5 million Moroccans, it is unprecedented for 20 years. Almost half of 15-24 year olds living in cities are unemployed. The earthquake in Marrakech also had effects on tourism.

These unprecedented direct social aids will not solve the problem. They will enable disadvantaged families to improve their lives. The king also initiated a health insurance reform in 2020, with free medical coverage for more than 10 million Moroccans. Water and electricity prices have been frozen.

The kingdom needs structural changes such as better access for new graduates to the job market, and competition should also be encouraged. The World Bank, in its latest report, also highlights the need to increase the social and economic empowerment of women. Their labor market participation rate, 19% in the third quarter, is insufficient. This would be a powerful engine of development, points out the ON agency. But for this, Morocco must also advance in equality between men and women.