Morocco’s new billionaire prime minister vows to establish 'social state'

Morocco’s new billionaire prime minister vows to establish 'social state'
Breaking his no-media policy since winning the September 8 elections, premier Aziz Akhannouch appeared late on Wednesday in his first interview as Morocco’s head of government.
2 min read
21 January, 2022
Some remain skeptical of Aziz Akhannouch's ability to deliver his promised 'social state' [Getty]

Morocco’s new billionaire prime minister Aziz Akhannouch has vowed to transform Morocco into a "social state".

Breaking his no-media policy since winning the September 8 elections, premier Aziz Akhannouch appeared late on Wednesday in his first interview as Morocco’s head of government to speak on his cabinet’s achievements in its first 100 days.

“51 billion dirhams (US$5.48 billion) will be allocated to [the social state]; Of this, 23 billion came from the state's general budget, and 28 billion dirhams came from individual contributions,” said Akhannouch.

In the prime minister's interview with two state media journalists, Morocco's current economic crisis and rumoured divisions within the governing coalition were on the top of the agenda.

Akhannouch promised health coverage for all, equal opportunities in education, and more employment opportunities, “all of which are priorities centred around human capital”. 

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The social state is a royal project included in Morocco's new development model, a roadmap drawn-up by the royal palace for political parties to follow. 

However, Moroccans have questioned the prime minister's ability to achieve the promised social state, with teachers, pharmacists and private doctors remain on strike against recent government decisions.

The prime minister's answers to questions regarding prices and the ongoing closure of borders were criticized by activists and private media outlets which disputed their accuracy.