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Younes Sekkouri defends government's social dialogue record ahead of May Day
via Le Matin2 min read
Younes Sekkouri, the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, announced that the total cost of social dialogue measures is projected to reach nearly 49.7 billion dirhams by the end of the year and early 2027. Speaking at a parliamentary session, the minister emphasized that social dialogue extends beyond financial commitments, focusing on building trust among the government, trade unions, social partners, and employer representatives, including those in the agricultural sector. Concrete measures implemented include an increase in the non-agricultural minimum wage SMIG from 14.81 dirhams per hour to 17.90 dirhams, raising the net monthly salary from approximately 2,800 to 3,400 dirhams. The agricultural minimum wage SMAG also increased from under 1,900 dirhams to 2,400 dirhams, effective since April. A general salary increase of 1,000 dirhams was also implemented. In the education sector, around 325,000 civil servants received increases ranging from 1,500 dirhams at the start of their careers to 5,000 dirhams later on. Private sector employees benefited from an average gain of about 400 dirhams per month due to income tax revisions. Structural reforms in pensions reduced the required contribution days from 3,240 to 1,320, with options for those not meeting the criteria to recover contributions. Additionally, new provisions are planned for private security guards, with a modification to Article 193 of the Labor Code to be submitted to the Governme
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Must ReadThe Atlas Lions will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Saturday with a highly anticipated match against Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, the team aims to demonstrate that their historic performance in the 2022 World Cup was not an isolated achievement.
A high-level meeting held in Rabat on June 11, on the International Day of Family Remittances, focused on transforming remittances from Moroccans living abroad into economic development tools, particularly for rural areas. Remittances to Morocco reached over 122 billion dirhams in 2025, nearly 8% of the national GDP, demonstrating remarkable resilience amidst global economic and climatic uncertainties. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD, emphasized shifting the perception of remittances from mere lifelines to pathways for savings, investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity, especially in rural zones. Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General of Bank Al-Maghrib, highlighted the vulnerabilities of rural areas due to climate change, natural resource pressures, food security imperatives, and economic fragilities. He stressed the need to strengthen connections between remittances and formal financial tools like savings, credit, insurance, and digital financial services to channel these funds into productive capital. Redouane Arrach, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that remittances contribute to social cohesion and rural development, with their value comparable to Morocco's annual agricultural added value. Charles Th茅paut, Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Morocco, underscored the human and economic depth of these transfers, with France being the primary
Must ReadMorocco's Atlas Lions begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a high-stakes match against Brazil. The team, semi-finalists in the last World Cup, aims to prove their previous success was not a fluke. National coach Mohamed Ouahbi has focused on strengthening the team's winning culture, emphasizing respect for Brazil without fear. However, Morocco faces significant injury challenges, with Nayef Aguerd out due to persistent pubalgia, forcing a new central defense pairing likely involving Issa Diop and Chadi Riad. Abde Ezzalzouli is also absent due to a moderate knee ligament sprain, impacting the team's attacking options and set-piece expertise. Captain Achraf Hakimi is tasked with containing Vinicius Junior and initiating quick transitions to Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi, who will supply Ismael Saibari. Morocco draws confidence from a 2-1 friendly victory against Brazil in 2023. Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, enters as a favorite with a strong offensive lineup, featuring the speed of Vinicius Junior and Raphinha on the wings, and a solid midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimar茫es. Brazil's potential weakness lies in the probable absence of Neymar due to a calf injury, which would reduce their creative options. Full-backs Douglas and Danilo have also shown vulnerabilities against deep defensive blocks, an area where Brahim Diaz could exploit. The key for Brazil will be maintaining composure against Morocco's compact and disciplined defense.