The establishment of this program is "a historic moment" in the process of consolidating the foundations of the social State and the construction of a "Morocco of progress'', in accordance with the High Orientations of HM King Mohammed VI, Braga Pires told MAP.
   The Portuguese expert added that this ''ambitious program constitutes a strategic Royal project, aiming to eradicate poverty and vulnerability, while giving priority to support the most vulnerable categories, in particular women, the elderly and children, with a view to reducing social disparities.
   She also pointed out that this social project is “an investment in human capital, symbolizing social solidarity, as a key value illustrating the deep identity of Morocco”.
   This solidarity, he noted, aroused international admiration and was embodied in a tangible way, through an unprecedented surge of solidarity, demonstrated by Moroccans towards the victims of the earthquake that struck Al Haouz province last September.
   In His opening speech to the first session of the third legislative year of the 11th Legislature, HM King Mohammed VI announced that the Direct Social Assistance Program will be implemented at the end of the year.
   The implementation of the Direct Social Assistance Program will require a budget of 25 billion dirhams in 2024 to reach 29 billion dirhams annually from 2026. 
   This budget is in addition to the 10 billion dirhams allocated annually by the State for the generalization of the basic compulsory health insurance to families in situations of poverty and precariousness, representing an overall budget of 40 billion dirhams by 2026.