Moroccans struggle to make ends meet while Mohammed VI’s lifestyle is characterized by opulence!
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Morocco’s King Mohammed VI is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which stands in stark contrast to the reality of many Moroccans living in poverty and precariousness. While the king and his family enjoy luxurious palaces, private jets, and expensive cars, a significant portion of the population struggles to make ends meet, with many living on less than $2 a day. This stark disparity has led to criticism and public outcry, with many questioning the king’s commitment to addressing poverty and inequality in his kingdom.
Poverty in Morocco
Poverty remains a pervasive problem in Morocco, with a substantial portion of the population living below the poverty line. Economic disparities, limited employment opportunities, and regional inequalities contribute to the persistence of poverty. The ramifications of poverty extend beyond financial constraints, affecting access to education, healthcare, and social services, thereby amplifying the vulnerability of children.
A recent report by the World Bank shows that Morocco is one of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region that suffers the most from poverty and restrictions.
“Morocco is the most unequal country in North Africa and among half of the most unequal countries on the planet,” writes Oxfam for illustration in one of its reports on inequalities in the world.
According to a recent report by the Moroccan branch of this NGO, entitled “Domestic work of little girls: little hands, big chores”, “Morocco has been designated the most unequal country in North Africa and among the most unequal half of countries on the planet”.
Citing the “Global Inequality 2022” report, Oxfam says that in Morocco, “only 10% of the population owns more than 63% of total wealth, while 50% own less than 5%”.
Rural poverty remains a significant concern in Morocco, with agricultural communities particularly vulnerable. The poverty rate in rural areas is significantly higher than the urban poverty rate. This disparity is attributed to limited access to basic services, inadequate infrastructure, and economic challenges in agricultural sectors.
While urban areas generally fare better than rural regions, urban poverty in Morocco remains a pressing issue. Rapid urbanization, coupled with high population density, strains resources and contributes to income disparities. Urban poverty is often associated with informal settlements, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and healthcare services.
As for the youth, Morocco has a relatively young population, and youth unemployment poses a significant challenge. Added to that is gender inequality, which exacerbates poverty in Morocco, with women facing distinct challenges. Figures reveal that the poverty rate for women is higher than that of men, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive policies and programs. Barriers such as limited access to education, financial resources, and employment opportunities perpetuate this gendered poverty gap.
Statistics and data on poverty and precariousness in Morocco
According to the World Bank, over 4 million people in Morocco live in poverty, while the United Nations Development Programme reports that 61% of Moroccans are vulnerable to falling into poverty due to a lack of social protection. Additionally, youth unemployment rates are at an alarming 25%, with women and rural areas disproportionately affected.
Contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, and the reality faced by many Moroccans living in poverty and precariousness
There is a contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, and the reality faced by many Moroccans living in poverty and precariousness. While the king’s lifestyle is characterized by opulence and wealth, a significant portion of the population in Morocco faces economic challenges and struggles to meet their basic needs.
As mentioned above, there are Moroccans living below the poverty line, lacking access to adequate housing, education, healthcare, and job opportunities. High unemployment rates, particularly among youth, contribute to the challenges faced by many Moroccans. Additionally, some regions, especially rural areas and marginalized communities, often experience a lack of basic infrastructure and essential services.
The contrast between the king’s lifestyle and the reality of those living in poverty has led to criticism and debates about wealth distribution and social inequality in the country. Critics argue that the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few, including the royal family, exacerbates the gap between the rich and the poor. Reports show that a small minority of Moroccans enjoy immense wealth and privilege. The wealthy elite in Morocco are often linked to royal connections, political power, or large corporations and have access to luxurious properties, private transportation, and exclusive social circles.
The disparity between the wealthy and the poor in Morocco is evident in the stark contrast between the opulence of the royal palaces and the poverty of the surrounding neighborhoods. For instance, the royal palace in Casablanca boasts a private beach and swimming pool, while nearby slums lack basic sanitation facilities.
Media coverage and criticism of the king’s lifestyle
The King’s lifestyle has been a topic of public debate in Morocco for years, with the media occasionally taking the opportunity to question the appropriateness of the King’s indulgences. For example, a recent report by the online news outlet Le Desk revealed that the King spent more than $1 million on new Mercedes-Benz cars for his entourage during a single trip to France. Such revelations have only fueled criticism of the King’s lifestyle, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of poverty and precariousness in Morocco.
