Morocco’s Retirees Rally for Fair Pensions, Better Healthcare

Rabat – The Civil Pensioners’ Organization of Morocco (ORCM) has expressed alarm over the worsening conditions that retirees face throughout the country.

The organization criticized in a statement the ongoing neglect of this group by successive governments, who, according to the ORCM, have shown indifference to the mounting financial strain placed on retirees as the cost of living is in constant inflation mode.

In response to what they described as a “dismal situation” and the closure of dialogue channels with the authorities, ORCM decided to organize a protest on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. local time in front of the parliament in Rabat.

The planned protest comes amid recent governmental discussions on pension reform, leading to an approved amendment to the 2025 Finance Bill (PLF 2025) that introduces a gradual exemption of basic retirement pensions from income tax.

Starting in January 2025, retirees receiving pensions under the basic system will benefit from a 50% tax reduction, with a full exemption expected by 2026.

However, this measure applies only to basic pensions and lifetime annuities within regulated frameworks, while complementary pensions, which are often higher due to additional savings, will remain taxable to maintain state revenue.

Retirees, however, argue that this reform falls short of addressing their true needs. While it may offer some relief, they say it overlooks many pensioners who continue to struggle with meager pensions that are insufficient to cover basic daily expenses, such as food and other necessities.

The upcoming protest is a call to address the urgent needs of retirees and their families. The planned demonstration is also part of a broader advocacy effort for fair and just demands that affect retirees of all backgrounds.

Among the list of demands is an immediate increase in pensions, especially for those in the lower and middle-income brackets. The organization insists that this increase should be retroactive and be up to par with the rising cost of living and inflation. “Pensions should be adjusted to meet the realities of today’s economy,” they stated.

In addition to pension increases, the organization is pushing for the creation of a national body dedicated to retirees’ affairs. “We need a national institution that addresses retirees’ concerns, as well as an electoral body to represent them, just like employees are represented in the House of Councillors,” they explained.

Another critical demand is for better representation of retirees on pension fund boards and within social service associations across both the public and private sectors. “We want retirees to have an active role in decision-making bodies that directly impact their future,” they added.

The organization is also advocating for improved healthcare access, calling for services that offer “dignified and free treatment.”

Furthermore, they urge an exemption from healthcare costs not covered by the country’s basic health insurance system (AMO/CNOPS). “Retirees have paid into the system throughout their working lives, and they shouldn’t have to bear additional costs for services they are entitled to.”

In their statement, the organization condemned the government’s neglect of retirees, accusing it of excluding them from essential social and economic programs that could improve their lives tenfold.

They urged the government to prioritize retirees’ needs and provide them with special treatment in public services, in order for them not to be overlooked as the country progresses.