Morocco’s Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has ignited controversy by suggesting that women with higher earnings should be responsible for paying alimony to their ex-husbands after divorce.
Speaking during an interview on channel 2M on Monday, Ouahbi discussed the Family Code and his perspective on alimony payments. He emphasised the need for fairness in financial responsibilities, stating, “For a woman to be given all her rights, we must know what the man owns and doesn’t own, and what the woman owns and doesn’t own, because financial responsibility is shared.”
Ouahbi elaborated that if a woman’s income surpasses that of her ex-husband, she should be obliged to pay alimony, as she contributes to the household’s financial stability. He noted that this matter is currently under review and called for “balance and justice” in determining alimony.
His remarks have sparked widespread debate, with critics pointing out that under Islamic law, men are traditionally responsible for paying alimony after a divorce. Moreover, a married Muslim woman is not typically required to use her income or assets to support her husband or the household.