Moroccan Parliament Rejects Expansion of Family Support Fund
The Moroccan House of Representatives voted against expanding eligibility for the Family Support Fund (FSF) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, dealing a blow to hopes for broader social safety net coverage. The vote, which saw 92 parliamentarians oppose the expansion and 26 abstain, effectively blocks proposed amendments to Articles 2 and 4 of Law 83.17, which governs the fund’s operations.
This decision reverses a previous unanimous approval by the House on January 17, 2024, and follows a similar rejection by the House of Councilors on December 10, 2024. The proposed changes, initially put forward by the Socialist Group in August 2022, aimed to extend FSF benefits to indigent parents entitled to child support, particularly in cases where court-ordered payments are delayed or impossible to collect due to the payer’s inability to pay or their disappearance.
The FSF plays a crucial role in Moroccan society by providing financial advances to families struggling to receive due child support. This safety net is particularly important for vulnerable populations, including children, single mothers, widows, and those living in poverty. The proposed expansion sought to address a critical gap in the system by recognizing the financial hardship faced by indigent parents awaiting child support payments. The amendments would have empowered these parents to apply for FSF advances through the presiding court, offering a much-needed lifeline during difficult times.
The rejection of this expansion raises concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by families navigating the child support system in Morocco. While the FSF currently supports children (after divorce or during marriage if the mother is indigent), orphans, sponsored children, and indigent wives entitled to support, the exclusion of indigent parents leaves a significant vulnerability. This decision potentially leaves many families without recourse when facing delayed or unpaid child support, exacerbating financial strain and potentially impacting children’s well-being.
The management of the FSF is currently entrusted to the Deposit and Management Fund (Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion – CDG) following an agreement signed in September 2011 between the Moroccan government (represented by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Economy and Finance) and the CDG. This partnership underscores the importance of the FSF within the broader framework of social welfare in Morocco. However, the recent vote highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the scope and reach of social safety nets, and the need for continued dialogue to ensure adequate support for all vulnerable families.
Further research and analysis are needed to understand the specific reasons behind the parliament’s decision and its potential long-term implications for families in Morocco. Advocates for expanding the FSF will likely continue to push for greater inclusivity in social welfare programs, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable families and ensuring the well-being of children. The future of the FSF and its role in addressing child support challenges remains a critical issue for Moroccan society.
Keywords: Morocco, Family Support Fund, FSF, Child Support, Social Welfare, Parliament, House of Representatives, House of Councilors, Poverty, Children’s Rights, CDG, Deposit and Management Fund, Social Safety Net, Indigent Parents.
