In the draft 2026 finance bill, the government is striving to address the demands put forth by GenZ youth, as well as the directives given by King Mohammed VI in his speeches during the Throne Day celebrations and at the opening of the parliamentary year. On Sunday, October 19, King Mohammed VI convened a council of ministers at the Royal Palace in Rabat, with a key focus on reviewing the main directives for the draft 2026 finance bill. The Minister of Finance highlighted that the upcoming PLF is being shaped against a backdrop of global uncertainties impacting economic growth projections. Domestically, the unveiling of the draft 2026 finance bill is eagerly awaited in the wake of GenZ protests, which have called for social and territorial justice, employment opportunities, and anti-corruption measures. In response to these pressing issues, the government aims to «stimulate private investments, both domestic and foreign, fast-track the effective rollout of the Investment Charter, launch Morocco's Green hydrogen initiative, enhance the business climate's appeal, foster innovative Public-Private Partnerships, and diversify the economy's financing sources», stated the minister. Particular emphasis will be placed on very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital job creators within the national economy. This will involve setting up a new framework for technical assistance and financial support to spur their investments in job creation and territorial equity. The government also intends to introduce a new wave of integrated territorial development programs. These initiatives will capitalize on local strengths, reinforce advanced regionalization, and uphold the principle of solidarity among territorial entities, focusing on youth employment, boosting the education and health sectors, and upgrading territorial infrastructure. Health, Education, and Territorial Justice Special focus will also be directed towards regions facing significant hardships, particularly mountainous areas and oases, along with the sustainable development of the national coastline and the expansion of the National Program for emerging rural centers, in alignment with the recent royal address to Parliament. Health remains a central priority in the draft 2026 finance bill. The government pledges to significantly increase funding for the health and national education sectors, with a total allocation of 140 billion dirhams and the creation of over 27,000 new positions in these areas. Efforts will concentrate on enhancing health infrastructure, including the inauguration of University Hospital Centers in Agadir and Laâyoune, the completion of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center in Rabat, and ongoing construction of centers in Béni-Mellal, Guelmim, and Errachidia, alongside the renovation of 90 hospitals. Addressing educational demands highlighted by the GenZ protests, the government plans a comprehensive reform of the education system, accelerating the universalization of preschool education, strengthening support services for students, and improving education quality. The government is also dedicated to fortifying the foundations of the welfare state by continuing the rollout of the Royal Project for universal social protection and the social aid program for 4 million households. This includes increasing monthly aid by 50 to 100 dirhams per child for the first three children, with special assistance for orphaned and abandoned children in social protection facilities. It is noteworthy that 2026 will also be a year of new legislative elections.
