Morocco’s Prime Minister Faces Union Backlash Over Civil Service Cuts Amid COVID-19

The National Federation of Education (FNE) has issued a statement to protest against the head of government’s circular, which it describes as discriminatory. It says it opposes any measure likely to infringe on the rights of education officials, whatever the pretext.

The federation has called on the government to withdraw this circular. According to it, the circular "primarily targets the women and men of education whom it attempts to discourage in critical circumstances requiring, on the contrary, motivation, recognition and mobilization of all".

However, it reaffirms the commitment of teachers to play their role, and at the same time calls on the government to revalue the teaching profession.

In his circular, Saâdeddine El Othmani has asked ministers to suspend all promotions, except those for internal security officials and health sector personnel. It was also decided to postpone all recruitment competitions.