Nearly a million low-income Moroccan families are due to receive government aid, authorities announced on Monday, launching the kingdom's first and much-awaited social benefits programme. Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said in late October that the aid to families was expected to cost Morocco 25 billion dirhams through 2024. It also provided free health care to about 10 million low-income Moroccans, paid for by the state. The reforms are rolled out at a time of economic slowdown and deepening inequalities in Morocco, a country of 36 million people. Government aid so far has been indirect, with the state subsidising some goods but not offering payments to low-income people.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 26, 2023 04:02 UTC