Morocco is at an important turning point in its social history. The challenge is to rebalance its development model to provide solid foundations for the new regional power that the kingdom is becoming in a sustainable way, estimates the French magazine Le Point which has published an article on Monday entitled “Social protection, women’s rights: Morocco continues its transformation.”
The article published on the occasion of the 61st birthday of King Mohammed VI analyses the various transformations that have marked the twenty-four years of reign of the Sovereign.
As King Mohammed VI celebrates his sixty-one and twenty-four years of reign, the country finds itself at a decisive crossroads in its social evolution. The objective is to readjust its development model in order to build solid foundations to become a sustainable regional power, underlines Le Point.
Since 1999, the year of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, Morocco has evolved considerably. It has established itself in global value chains, rejoined the African Union and won major diplomatic successes concerning in particular the Sahara, whose sovereignty is now recognized by the United States and Israel, the magazine recalls.
Internally, the country has strengthened its defense, demonstrated its effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and asserted itself as a global player. At the social level, several ambitious programs have been launched to reduce inequalities, reduce poverty and promote the emergence of a middle class.
In 2020, the Sovereign announced the launch of universal social coverage over five years, including health insurance for 22 million people, family allowances for 7 million school-age children and the extension of pension schemes. This major reform, at a cost of 51 billion dirhams per year, represents 4.25% of Moroccan GDP, recalls Le Point.
This approach has made it possible to expand health insurance coverage, from 7.8 million beneficiaries in December 2020 to 23.2 million in April 2023. About 79.8% of the Moroccan population now benefits from some form medical coverage, compared to 74.2% in 2021.
Moreover, the modernization of the status of women in 2004 through the reform of the Moudawana, reflects the societal changes underway in Morocco.
Thus, as Morocco aspires to become a sustainable regional power, it is embarking on ambitious social reforms under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. These efforts aim to reduce inequalities and strengthen the country’s economic and social stability, capitalizing on economic achievements and diplomatic successes, the French magazine believes.