Morocco to Permanently Revert to GMT on September 20 After Heated Debate

Morocco is set to permanently return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on September 20, ending eight years of year-round daylight saving time. The government's decision follows extensive debate regarding the measure's effectiveness in saving energy and its potential health effects.

Initially implemented in 2008, daylight saving time in Morocco ran from April to September. The goal was to reduce energy consumption and minimize the time difference with European partners. In 2018, the government extended daylight saving time throughout the year, with an exception only for Ramadan, to avoid frequent time changes and their repercussions.

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in response to the expectations

However, this perpetual daylight saving time faced growing opposition and raised questions about its energy-saving benefits and impact on public health, particularly among younger populations. Concerns were voiced about potential disruptions to daily routines and well-being.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced the return to GMT, stating it was "in response to the expectations" of Moroccans and aimed to "remedy the difficulties that the extra hour has caused citizens." The government spokesperson confirmed the change would take effect at 2:00 AM on Sunday, September 20. This announcement also carries political weight, occurring less than three months before the September 23 legislative elections, where former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane had previously pledged to abolish daylight saving time if his party won.

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remedy the difficulties that the extra hour has caused citizens