Morocco’s New Government Pledges Up to 5,000 Dirhams for Couples Planning to Marry
In August, the government ruled out direct financial assistance to encourage marriage. Two months later, the new administration is promising up to 5,000 dirhams to young people wishing to marry. Its program won the confidence of lawmakers on October 22.
On August 4, former Minister of Solidarity and Family Naïma Ben Yahia advocated a different approach: supporting young couples rather than giving them money. Two months later, the new majority has placed financial assistance at the heart of its commitments.
The minister’s response to a parliamentary question concerned the creation of a national program of grants and low-interest loans. She favored preparation for married life, family mediation and local services.
On October 19, the new head of government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, presented a very different proposal: assistance of up to 5,000 dirhams for young people planning to marry, included in the 2026-2031 government program.
5,000 DH included in the government’s roadmap
The measure was already part of the Istiqlal Party’s election platform, presented in late August. Now part of the governing majority, the party has seen its proposal included in the new administration’s commitments. The assistance aims to ease the costs borne by couples-to-be.
German media outlet Deutsche Welle also devoted a report to the pledge on October 21, placing it in the context of the decline in fertility and the economic difficulties faced by young Moroccans.
On Thursday, October 22, lawmakers approved the government program by 204 votes to 127, according to the House of Representatives. The government now has its roadmap for the legislative term.
The next step will be to set the eligibility criteria, the amount actually paid and the application launch date. The announced maximum is 5,000 dirhams, with a scheme to be developed before the first payments are made.
