Morocco’s royal palace announced a plan to inject 140 billion dirhams (approximately $15 billion) into its health and education sectors as part of the 2026 national budget, representing a 16% increase over the previous year’s allocation.
The expanded expenditure follows weeks of youth-led protests across the country that had criticized the government for prioritizing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup over immediate public service needs.
The investment, which amounts to roughly 10% of Morocco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscores the government’s renewed focus on social development and public welfare following the unrest.
Key objectives of the budgetary boost include the creation of 27,000 new jobs within the two sectors and the upgrading of 90 hospitals nationwide. The plan also commits to increasing social welfare provisions for children.
The palace statement, released Sunday, noted that the country’s economy is projected to grow by 4.8% in 2026, an increase from 3.8% in 2024, driven by robust domestic demand and strong performance in non-agricultural sectors.
In addition to the social spending, the council approved two draft electoral laws aimed at boosting transparency and inclusivity ahead of upcoming general elections. These measures include stricter anti-corruption provisions and incentives designed to increase the participation of youth and women in politics.
The detailed budget proposal is scheduled to be presented to parliament by the finance minister next week for review.
