Moroccan Finance Minister Nadia Fatouh Al-Alaoui has announced that the Moroccan government will adjust its upcoming budget to enhance spending in the health and education sectors, allocating additional funds to reduce regional disparities.
These remarks were made by the minister to Reuters during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Washington.
Recent weeks have seen protests led by youth under the banner “Generation Z” across the kingdom, expressing deep frustration over poverty and inadequate public services, especially amid the country’s focus on ambitious infrastructure projects and modern stadiums in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Al-Alaoui stated, “What we have heard from the youth protests is that they want better education and health services,” noting that the government currently spends less than 9% of GDP on these sectors, emphasizing the need for improved communication regarding governmental actions.
The minister confirmed that there is room in the budget to reorganize priorities in future projects, such as operating local hospitals to ensure people do not have to travel long distances for treatment. She added, “We will reallocate funds to achieve quick wins, as people cannot wait for reforms,” warning that detailed specifics would not be available until the budget is presented to parliament, which typically occurs and is discussed after late October.
### Supporting the King’s Efforts to Reduce Regional Disparities
The budget will also include measures to support King Mohammed VI’s campaign to reduce regional disparities by placing greater emphasis on mountainous areas and oases. Al-Alaoui explained that this effort “may require some additional funds, but it will focus more on effective coordination and efficient spending without jeopardizing macroeconomic balances.”
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