Political leaders and experts gathered Monday at the 9th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice to address the future of Morocco’s social protection system, putting forward key achievements under King Mohammed VI but also raising concerns about funding sustainability, pension reforms, and the need for greater local governance.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami during the 9th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, held under the theme “Social Protection: Pillar of the Social State and Mechanism for Social Justice.”
The forum, organized by the House of Councillors in collaboration with the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, brought together political leaders, social actors, and international experts to explore the evolution and challenges of Morocco’s social protection system.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami credited King Mohammed VI for prioritizing social protection as a fundamental pillar of human development and democracy.
“The credit for placing this issue at the center of national priorities and policies goes to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who made social protection a strategic priority.”
The King’s vision reflects “the organic and dialectical link between political democracy and social democracy,” a dynamic that defines Morocco’s modern developmental model.
According to Talbi Alami, Morocco has made significant strides in social protection, citing the launch of the National Initiative for Human Development in 2005, the expansion of public health coverage, free public education to enhance social mobility, and programs to reduce poverty and marginalization, particularly in rural areas.
He emphasized, “These achievements illustrate the King’s comprehensive approach to development, which places the citizen at the heart of public policies.”
Despite this progress, Talbi Alami acknowledged the challenges facing Morocco’s social protection system, especially in terms of funding and sustainability. He noted that while the country has established the necessary constitutional, legislative, and institutional frameworks, financial constraints remain a pressing issue.
“The funding of social protection is a challenge, especially with the growing number of beneficiaries,” he said.
Only 55% of the cost of universal social protection is currently covered by individual contributions, which places a significant burden on public finances.
Talbi Alami called for innovative funding solutions to address these challenges, suggesting intergenerational solidarity and more productive investments of social funds.
“We need to widen the contribution base to ensure the system’s sustainability,” especially in light of demographic changes that could disrupt the balance between contributors and beneficiaries.
He warned that such imbalances could impact pensions, healthcare, and financial support systems, underscoring the need for a proactive approach to reform.
Ahmed Reda Chami, President of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council , echoed these concerns and pointed to the high cost of private healthcare due to the absence of standardized treatment protocols.
“The cost of care in the private sector is five times higher than in the public sector, largely due to the lack of mandatory care protocols.”
Chami also highlighted the importance of accurate targeting in social assistance programs to enhance their effectiveness, calling for the use of modern digital tools to ensure that support reaches the most vulnerable populations. Chami further emphasized the financial and sustainability challenges facing Morocco’s pension systems, exacerbated by the country’s aging population.
“Without comprehensive reforms, we risk compromising the financial balance and equity among social groups.”
He recommended extending unemployment insurance and integrating non-salaried workers into the social protection system, which he described as “a crucial step towards inclusive social security.”
Head of government Aziz Akhannouch reinforced the government’s commitment to social protection, describing it as a “revolutionary project that guarantees citizens’ rights to healthcare, social security, and financial support.”
He noted the government’s progress in expanding health coverage to vulnerable populations, including the self-employed and informal workers, as well as its efforts to improve family allowances and pension systems.
“Social protection is a national endeavor that transcends political and legislative terms,” Akhannouch said, stressing that it requires the participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society.
Akhannouch also highlighted the importance of good governance and digitalization in ensuring the effectiveness and transparency of social protection systems.
“We are committed to building a modern, integrated social protection system that leverages digital technology to improve service delivery and reduce fraud,” he said.
The forum featured contributions from international experts, including Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, who praised Morocco’s efforts and called for a more inclusive and equitable global social protection system.
“Social protection is not just about poverty alleviation; it is about empowering people to participate fully in society,” she noted.
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