Moroccan taxi drivers protest halt in fuel subsidies, app 'chaos'

Moroccan taxi drivers are expressing anger and frustration over the government's decision to halt exceptional support for the road transport sector, particularly the subsidy on diesel fuel. This move comes as drivers face intense competition from the proliferation of smart application companies, which they argue are creating chaos and damaging their livelihoods.

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The communication with the government on this subject is almost non-existent.

Mustafa Chaoun, Secretary-General of the Democratic Organization for Transport and Multimodal Logistics, stated that taxi professionals were surprised by the government's failure to extend the direct financial support for diesel, especially with fuel prices remaining high. He noted a near-complete lack of communication from the government on the matter, despite the organization's attempts to engage the Prime Minister. Chaoun highlighted that the sector suffers from structural problems that have been exacerbated, and suggested that the next government would need a clear vision and political will to address these issues, including the fuel subsidy.

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The smart applications have deepened the crisis of the sector and affected the income of professional drivers.

Adding to their woes, the drivers are contending with the "chaos" of smart applications operating without oversight or legal permits. Chaoun emphasized that these apps have deepened the sector's crisis, impacting the income of professional drivers and negatively affecting the country's image. He called for the government to take responsibility, initiate serious dialogue with sector representatives, and implement mechanisms to support drivers while strictly enforcing the law on all participants.

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The taxi sector is suffering today from a complex crisis, exacerbated after the sudden halt of the 'diesel' subsidy.

Saddik Boujeara, head of the Union of Road Transport Professionals, echoed these concerns, describing the situation as a "complex crisis." He criticized the "sudden halt" of the diesel subsidy without any communication or alternative solutions from the government, especially while fuel prices remain a burden. Boujeara stressed that this situation intensifies unequal competition and threatens the stability of the sector and the thousands of families who depend on it. He also urged for the swift ratification of the international convention on decent work in the platform economy to protect platform workers and ensure fair competition.

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We cannot build a modern transport system at the expense of the law or at the expense of professionals who have been providing a public service to citizens for decades.