Morocco’s government on Thursday defended its expanding social support program, describing it as a cornerstone of public policy reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s social welfare system in line with directives from King Mohammed VI.
Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said during a weekly press briefing that social support has become “one of the major strategic projects” launched under the king’s vision of building a solid social state. He stressed that the initiative is not a standalone measure but part of a broader overhaul of social protection policies.
“Social support is one of the major strategies and road maps launched by His Majesty the King,” Baitas said, adding that the government has implemented the project through dozens of decrees and regulatory decisions.
Baitas highlighted a newly adopted decree providing monthly financial assistance to orphaned children and those living in social care institutions. The measure falls under Article 16 of Law 58-23 and grants eligible children 500 dirhams ($50) per month, deposited into dedicated accounts in their names once applications are approved by the relevant agency.
The funds will accumulate over time and be made available to beneficiaries when they leave social care institutions, Baitas said, describing the policy as a “major shift” in Morocco’s approach to social protection. “They will leave with an important amount that will help them start their lives,” he said.
The government says the broader social support system now covers about 3.9 million families nationwide, including 2.4 million households with children and 1.5 million without. According to official figures, the program benefits 5.5 million children, 390,000 widows, 390,000 widowers and 1.3 million elderly people.
Baitas said the number of beneficiaries has quadrupled compared with the period before the current system was introduced, calling the expansion a clear break from previous mechanisms.
“This reform reflects the political philosophy of this government when it comes to building a social state,” he said, adding that the executive has mobilized the necessary financial resources to ensure the program’s success.
For 2026, the government has allocated about 41.5 billion dirhams ($4.1 billion) to social protection measures, excluding other provisions included in the state budget, Baitas said.
He attributed the initiative’s overall direction to King Mohammed VI, noting that the government’s role is to translate royal guidelines into concrete public policies.
While defending the program, Baitas acknowledged that implementation remains ongoing and that several regulatory texts are still being finalized or applied. He said the government is aware of potential challenges and remains open to dialogue to address any shortcomings that may emerge.
“We are still in the implementation phase,” he said. “It will take time to draw lessons and identify difficulties, but the government is ready to discuss this project in a way that helps correct any imbalances.”
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.