Laghj: Over 120 Billion Dirhams to Fund Social and Development Programs in the Draft 2026 Finance Law
During a presentation before the Finance and Economic Development Committee of the House of Representatives, Minister Delegate in Charge of Budget, Fouad Lakjaa, revealed a financial envelope exceeding 120 billion dirhams allocated within the draft 2026 finance law. This funding is directed towards major social and development programs, including housing, social protection, basic commodities support, and water resource management, as part of the government’s commitment to promoting social justice and reducing regional disparities.
Lakjaa explained that the government will continue its efforts to ensure citizens have access to adequate housing by allocating 9.4 billion dirhams for this purpose. This will cover the completion of programs aimed at eliminating substandard housing and “cities without slums,” as well as implementing a direct support program for purchasing primary residences, which has benefited over 68,000 citizens as of mid-October.
Regarding the social protection initiative, the minister announced an allocation of 41.5 billion dirhams for 2026, representing an increase of 4 billion dirhams compared to 2025. This aims to expand direct social support for vulnerable groups and gradually increase compensation amounts for the first three children, alongside activating assistance for orphaned or abandoned children living in social care institutions.
Lakjaa also affirmed that the government will continue to implement the social dialogue charter by mobilizing 48 billion dirhams to support this initiative, which will contribute to enhancing social stability and improving working conditions.
In terms of supporting citizens’ purchasing power, he noted the allocation of 14 billion dirhams to maintain stable prices for basic commodities, particularly butane gas, sugar, and national flour made from soft wheat.
On the issue of water resource management, the minister highlighted the allocation of 16.4 billion dirhams to address water stress challenges. This includes accelerating the construction of dams and water desalination projects, as well as enhancing connectivity between water basins, especially from the Lukus River basin to the Am Rabee Basin via the Sebou and Abir Reqa’ basins, while continuing to supply villages with drinking water.
In conclusion, Lakjaa emphasized that these measures are part of the government’s comprehensive vision aimed at establishing balanced and sustainable development that responds to the priorities of citizens across various regions of the Kingdom, while reinforcing the social dimension in public policies.
