Durement éprouvés par la crise sociale, les Marocains anticipent une nouvelle dégradation de leur niveau de vie
Summary of the Current Socioeconomic Situation in Morocco
Moroccan citizens have been experiencing significant hardship due to an escalating social crisis, leading to widespread pessimism about their future economic well-being. Recent findings from the High Commission for Planning reveal that over half (53%) of Moroccan households anticipate their living standards will decline within the next twelve months. The survey indicates a continued grim outlook, with 80.9% of families reporting a deterioration in their quality of life over the past year.
Economic Concerns
A substantial majority—80.6% of households—expect unemployment to rise in the coming year, while 81.6% foresee an increase in food prices. This economic anxiety is compounded by critical social tensions that have escalated to alarming levels. Faced with rising costs of living, soaring unemployment rates, particularly among youth, and deteriorating public services, many Moroccans are expressing frustration.
The situation has prompted widespread calls for strikes and protests across major cities, led by various labor unions. Demonstrators are demanding action against the declining purchasing power and criticizing governmental policies perceived as exacerbating poverty.
Social Fragmentation
The continuous erosion of the middle class coupled with a growing despair among poorer communities illustrates a broader societal unease. The ongoing socio-economic challenges trace their roots back to several factors, including the lingering impact of COVID-19 and the severe drought that has critically affected agriculture in the region.
Structural Issues
However, the crises at hand cannot solely be attributed to adverse economic conditions. Fouad Abdelmoumni, a Moroccan economist, argues that systemic issues such as corruption, nepotism, and excessive costs associated with the monarchy contribute significantly to the prevailing distress. He criticizes the Akhannouch government’s apparent inability to rectify these endemically rooted problems.
Abdelmoumni highlights that the socio-political landscape is marred by elite arrogance and corruption, alongside a hard-line repression of dissent. The submission of the national governance structure, often referred to as the Makhzen, to external influences—specifically regarding normalization with Israel—further alienates the populace, fueling discontent and resistance.
Conclusion
In summary, the expectation of a worsening economic situation among Moroccan households underscores a critical social crisis marked by widespread dissatisfaction, exacerbated by systemic corruption and ineffective governance. As social tensions mount, it remains to be seen how the government will address these pervasive challenges to restore confidence and improve the living conditions of its citizens.
