Benkirane Urges Government to Restore MAD 500 Aid as Morocco Nears 2026 Elections

Casablanca – In a widely shared video, Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), has urged the government to restore social aid for vulnerable people, citing the case of a woman from Sebt Gzoula.

In the video, Benkirane directly addressed Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, referencing the woman’s case and questioning the decision to cut the aid support.

According to Benkirane, the woman had been receiving the monthly social aid payment before it was suddenly withdrawn, questioning the decision.

In the video, he asked what could have changed in her situation to justify cutting off the support, whether authorities are “fully aware” of the realities faced by vulnerable citizens, and called on officials to review the case and restore the support.

Some observers were skeptical and questioned the timing of the message, noting that it comes as the country moves closer to elections. Morocco is heading toward its next legislative elections, officially set for September 23, 2026, which will determine the composition of the 395-seat House of Representatives and the future head of government.

The government led by Aziz Akhannouch has faced growing criticism over its handling of economic pressures, particularly rising living costs. In March and April, increases in fuel prices drew renewed attention, with higher diesel and gasoline costs feeding directly into transport fares and the price of basic goods, affecting households across the country.

In 2025, youth-led demonstrations in several cities called for social reforms and, in some cases, the resignation of the prime minister, citing inequality and deteriorating living conditions.

At the same time, Benkrane has stepped up his public criticism of the current administration in recent years. In several remarks, he has sharply criticized Akhannouch and his cabinet.

In 2025, he accused Akhannouch of oppressing Moroccans.

“It is time for this government to step down and leave,” PJD quoted Benkirane as saying during a speech.

The former head of government also accused Akhannouch of “violating the rights” of over 130,000 widows, who had been receiving MAD 700 to MAD 1,050 (approximately $70 to $100) per month under a family support program.

“Now they only receive 500 dirhams,” PJD said, adding that Akhannouch will be “held accountable for this before God.”

“I feel pain for the widows who have been deprived of support because of an indicator. This must be reviewed from a human perspective,” Benkirane said, adding that Akhannouch is not doing politics but rather “an act of contempt and oppression against the citizens.”

In recent months, Benkirane also promised he would make drastic changes if his party returned to power.

He said he would move to abolish the GMT+1 time system, an issue that has sparked petitions and public debates calling for a return to GMT.

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