Social Protection Reforms in Morocco: Assessment of Historical Achievements and Current Sustainability Challenges[Les Réformes de la Protection Sociale au Maroc : Bilan des Acquis Historiques et Défis Actuels de Pérennité]

Rooted in traditional Islamic and community-based practices, the Moroccan social protection system has evolved over time, influenced by historical dynamics as well as the Bismarckian and Keynesian models. Since Independence, Morocco has sought to reform the unequal system inherited from the colonial period in order to foster balanced social and economic development. However, the structural adjustment policies of the 1980s weakened the system, exacerbating inequalities and leaving non-salaried workers and vulnerable populations on the fringes of social protection. In the early 2000s, major reforms were introduced to expand social coverage, notably with the creation of Mandatory Health Insurance (2005) and the Medical Assistance Scheme (2011). While these initiatives have led to significant progress, they have also revealed persistent challenges in terms of financing and governance, threatening the long-term viability of the system. The objective is to assess the extent to which these successive reforms have met the growing needs of the population, while identifying the limitations of these mechanisms in terms of financing, governance, and equity. The methodology adopted is based on in-depth documentary research and a theoretical review serving as an analytical framework. It combines historical and critical analysis of the transformations in Morocco's social protection system with an evaluation of the public policies implemented. This approach uses both qualitative and quantitative data to explore the goals, impacts, and limitations of the reforms, highlighting the complex interactions between political orientations, socio-economic constraints, and beneficiaries' expectations.