Akhannouch: despite difficult international circumstances, government determined to protect purchasing power

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said that Morocco is currently navigating a volatile world with difficult international circumstances that have affected all aspects of life, amplifying the difficulty of government work.

In an exclusive interview with Hespress AR, Akhannouch said that most goods are currently experiencing a spike in prices, including oil, gas, wheat and oil.

A year of the government’s rise to power, the official stressed that the executive has made a great effort to keep the prices of a number of basic materials unchanged, including bread, butane gas, sugar and electricity.

Akhannouch pointed out that the government chose to support transport professionals so that prices of consumer goods for citizens do not increase as a result of high fuel costs , and said that this support will amount to MAD 5 billion in total.

Speaking about electricity production, Akhannouch said that supporting this now pricey bill cost MAD 20 billion, and that after many international factors, that cost has doubled in the span of a year.

This is why the state has decided to intervene to support the National Electricity and Drinking Water Office, to keep prices unchanged.

The Head of Government stated that the Finance Bill for 2023 allocated MAD 26 billion to the Clearing Fund, and confirmed that the draft includes support for butane gas, which will not note any increase.

The government official announced that social protection projects are underway, with all citizens registered in the social register to grant direct financial support to 10 million needy families in late 2023.

Akhannouch acknowledged that the implementation of the social protection project is difficult, because it requires dialogues and discussions with the concerned parties, but remain positive, saying that once they are effective, they will help solve many issues Moroccans have been struggling with.

Speaking about the education reform, Akhannouch said that this project is very important, and has great importance to the government, who’s approach is focusing on the student, professor and school.

With regard to social dialogue, the Head of Government acknowledged its openness to dialogue and the demands of trade unions, as well as the important role of unions in framing workers and improving their situation.