Following Thursday’s government council meeting, chaired by Head of Government Fatima-Ezzahra El Mansouri on November 5, government spokesperson Samir Belfkih and Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh outlined the planned increases in social benefits, which are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
These include an additional MAD 100 for the most vulnerable citizens, an increase in the minimum pension from MAD 1,000 to MAD 1,700 and an adjustment of widows’ pensions to 100% of the pensions their deceased spouses would have received.
Belfkih also referred to the decision to establish six regional centers to act as intermediaries between agricultural producers and consumers, with the aim of helping lower food prices.
“This initiative involving the six centers, whose legal framework will be established in 2027, aims to combat frakchiyas,” he said, referring to middlemen accused of driving up prices. He also stressed that livestock imports, including sheep and cattle, “remain open to everyone, provided they comply with the specifications, as import operations continue to benefit from customs duty exemptions.”
For his part, Kayouh said the latest subsidy for transport operators was higher than previous payments because of the elevated price of oil on international markets.
“This latest subsidy installment recorded a significant 60% increase compared with the amount allocated during the first round of support,” the minister said.
However, Kayouh declined to comment when asked about taxi drivers unilaterally raising fares. The government spokesperson nevertheless acknowledged that an increase in taxi fares was not currently under consideration, given that these operators already receive public subsidies.
During the joint press conference, Kayouh announced the amounts allocated to transport operators in the latest subsidy installment, covering the November 1-15 period:
Intercity passenger coaches: MAD 5,600
Urban transport buses: MAD 4,960
Road tractors: MAD 4,800
Freight trucks: Between MAD 2,080 for vehicles with a 3.5-ton payload and MAD 3,360 for those with a 19-ton payload
Taxis: MAD 1,760 for large taxis and MAD 1,280 for small taxis
Mixed transport in rural areas: MAD 1,440
Tourist transport: Between MAD 800 and MAD 2,240, depending on the category
Breakdown and staff transport vehicles: Between MAD 800 and MAD 960
