Half of Moroccans Reject Permanent GMT+1, Joining Global Resistance

Public Resistance to Permanent Daylight Saving Time in Morocco

A recent study conducted by Group Sunergia and the L’Economiste has revealed that nearly half of Moroccans, specifically 43%, are against the country's permanent adoption of daylight saving time (GMT+1), which has been in effect since 2018. This opposition is particularly strong among younger adults aged between 25 and 44, urban residents, and individuals from higher-income groups.

The decision to implement GMT+1 was initially made with the intention of aligning Morocco with global markets and improving energy efficiency. However, the policy has continued to face criticism from a significant portion of the population. Many citizens argue that it disrupts their daily routines and negatively impacts their well-being.

According to the study, only 28% of Moroccans support the use of GMT+1, with 22% expressing strong agreement. Support for the time change is more prevalent among older adults aged between 55 and 64 and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Only 17% of Moroccans believe that daylight saving time has a positive impact on their lives, with this sentiment most commonly found among individuals aged 55 to 64.

On the other hand, 40% of Moroccans report that GMT+1 negatively affects their lives, particularly among young adults aged 25–44, urban residents, and those in higher socioeconomic classes.

Historical Context and Government Justification

In late 2018, the Moroccan government issued a decree to make daylight saving time permanent. This decision involved adjusting the clocks based on the timing of Ramadan, which led to widespread backlash and student protests in several cities. The move was later upheld by the Constitutional Court in March 2019, which stated that the decision fell within the powers of the executive branch.

Despite the government's claims that the time change is beneficial for energy savings and aligns Morocco with international partners, many citizens and civil groups continue to voice concerns about its negative effects. These concerns have sparked broader discussions about the necessity and benefits of daylight saving time.

Global Trends and Shifts Away from Daylight Saving Time

Several countries around the world have recently moved away from daylight saving time, opting instead for a consistent year-round clock. Countries such as Russia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Mexico, and Egypt have all abandoned the practice.

In Europe, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that the country will push the European Union to abolish the twice-yearly switch to summer time. Sanchez argues that there is no longer any valid reason for the practice, emphasizing that it does not save energy and instead disrupts human biological rhythms twice a year.

A 2018 non-representative survey by the European Commission found that 84% of EU citizens opposed the time change, highlighting a growing global trend of skepticism toward daylight saving time.

Ongoing Debate and Future Implications

The debate over daylight saving time continues to evolve, with public opinion playing a significant role in shaping policy decisions. In Morocco, the findings of the study underscore a deep divide in how different demographic groups perceive the impact of GMT+1. As more countries reconsider their approach to time changes, the discussion surrounding the benefits and drawbacks of daylight saving time is likely to persist.