Social Protection Reforms in Morocco: Assessment of Historical Achievements and Current Sustainability Challenges

Abstract

The Moroccan social protection system has undergone a complex evolution shaped by social, economic, and political dynamics. Starting from traditional religious and community practices, this article traces the system's development up to contemporary reforms, analyzing the tensions between the theoretical foundations of the Bismarckian and Beveridgean models and the socio-economic realities specific to the Moroccan context. Since its independence, Morocco has sought to reform and unify the inequitable system inherited from the colonial era. Drawing inspiration from Bismarckian and Keynesian models, the country has implemented reforms aimed at reconciling social and economic development. However, the structural adjustment policies of the 1980s significantly weakened the system, exacerbating inequalities and leaving non-salaried workers and vulnerable populations in a precarious position.

In the early 2000s, Morocco initiated a major shift with the introduction of key reforms. The establishment of Mandatory Health Insurance (AMO) in 2005 and the Medical Assistance Regime (RAMED) in 2011 expanded social coverage to a larger portion of the population. Nonetheless, these reforms revealed significant limitations, particularly regarding financing and governance, threatening the system's long-term sustainability. Finally, the adoption of Framework Law 09-21 in 2021 represents a critical milestone, aiming to extend social protection to the entire Moroccan population. However, uncertainties remain regarding the system's ability to ensure stable financing and secure widespread acceptance of the reforms among beneficiaries.

The objective of this study is to assess the extent to which these successive reforms have addressed the population's growing needs while identifying the limitations of these mechanisms in terms of financing, governance, and equity. The adopted methodology relies on comprehensive documentary research and a theoretical review as an analytical framework. It combines a historical and critical analysis of the transformations in Morocco’s social protection system with an evaluation of the public policies implemented. This approach leverages qualitative and quantitative data to explore the objectives, impacts, and limitations of the reforms, shedding light on the complex interactions between political orientations, socio-economic constraints, and beneficiaries’ expectations.

Keywords: Social protection system, Bismarckian theory, Beveridgean theory, social protection financing

JEL Classification : H53, H55, I38.

Paper type : Theoretical Research