Rabat: Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch announced on Wednesday that his administration has redirected public investment towards critical social priorities, achieving a significant transformation in the concept of citizenship through the expansion of social protection to approximately 15.5 million additional beneficiaries.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Akhannouch, during a presentation of the government’s performance review before Parliament, highlighted that the State has allocated more than MAD 27 billion for contributions under the “AMO Tadamon” scheme for vulnerable populations. Nearly 4 million families are now beneficiaries of direct social assistance, thanks to improved targeting and governance mechanisms.

He further elaborated that total disbursements under this initiative have reached around MAD 52 billion, impacting 5.5 million children, over 396,000 widows, and more than one million elderly individuals.

In terms of healthcare, Akhannouch emphasized a comprehensive reform to rebuild the system and restore public trust. The sector’s budget is projected to more than double, from MAD 19.7 billion in 2021 to MAD 42.4 billion in 2026, alongside the enhancement of nearly 1,400 primary healthcare centers and the initiation of additional rehabilitation programs.

He also mentioned the ongoing development of University Hospital Centers across various regions by 2027 to improve equitable access to healthcare.

Discussing education, the Head of Government underscored the strategic importance of reform, noting that preschool enrollment has reached 80%, with a significant expansion of “pioneer schools” to over 4,600 institutions serving nearly two million students.

He cited increased support for students, including boarding, transport, and financial aid, as well as major reforms enhancing the status and salaries of education staff, benefiting hundreds of thousands of employees.

Akhannouch also noted expansions in higher education capacity with new institutions and improved student services, alongside bolstered vocational training through new facilities.

Regarding purchasing power, he stated that the Government has mobilized over MAD 135 billion through the compensation fund to stabilize prices, while social dialogue has led to wage increases benefiting more than 4.2 million workers.

He also highlighted tax reforms, including income tax relief for lower salaries, and a housing assistance program that has enabled over 96,000 families to access decent housing.