Morocco’s Year-Round GMT+1 Time Change Sparks Debate Over Benefits and Drawbacks

Since May 8, Morocco has switched to the GMT+1 schedule, in accordance with the decree relating to legal time, and the order of the Head of Government. A calendar that still provokes many reactions among Moroccans.

Questioned on the subject in parliament, the government tried to justify this choice. According to the Delegate Minister to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Ghita Mezzour, this maintenance is "based on a study which showed that summer time allows to save a significant amount of energy."

Without providing details, the minister indicated that this study, which covered the results of five years of implementation of summer time, has proven that this calendar reduces carbon dioxide emissions, which contributes to reducing environmental risks.

Regarding the psychological effects of summer time and its negative impact on the quality of life of citizens, Mezzour said that the government has taken a set of measures adapted to the spatial specificities of each region. As an example, she cited facilities granted to employees regarding the time of entry to work while the directors of the regional education and training academies (AREF) have been called upon to adopt a flexible schedule for students.