33% of Moroccans Perceive Economy As Country’s Biggest Challenge

Rabat – Moroccans view the economy as the top challenge facing their country, with 33% of respondents of a recent survey saying that they are worried about the economy.

According to the 2022 Arab Barometer Insights, confidence in the economy has researched its lowest level since the 2007 economic crisis. However, the survey’s findings suggest that Moroccans remain positive about the prospect of economic recovery.

Other perceivable challenges include the quality of Moroccan public services, with 20% of respondents saying it is by far the biggest challenge facing the country. Following is the spread of COVID-19, with 18% of respondents still identifying the virus as a top concern for Morocco.

Only 11% of respondents identified corruption as a top challenge to Morocco. Other challenges singled out by respondents include instability at 6%, foreign interference at 5%, and terrorism at 2%, the report from the Arab barometer explains.

When asked about which government actions are more likely to alleviate the threat of economic challenges, 23% of respondents said they believe creating jobs is a top priority. However, 22% of respondents said that limiting inflation is the most pressing challenge facing Morocco.

Around 15% of respondents said they believe raising wages should be a priority, followed by 11% stating that priority should be given to education, and 11% suggesting that attracting foreign investment is the most important measure Morocco should focus on to support the economy.

Perceived government priorities

Regarding citizens’ perception of how the state budget should be spent, 28% of participants responded that healthcare should take priority in government spending.

In the same survey, 27% of respondents indicated that subsidizing commodities for citizens to mitigate the effect of rising prices should be in fact a top priority for the state budget.

Investing in improving roads and transport came in third place, with 16% identifying improvement in the sector as a top priority.

Only 15% of respondents stated that education should be a top policy priority for the government. And only 7% said that the state budget should prioritize investing in measures to reduce pollution.