Rabat – Over 326,881 people in Morocco have signed a viral petition calling for an end to GMT+1, or daylight saving time.
The petition continues to gain momentum, generating tens of thousands of new signatories daily.
“This appeal is addressed to everyone who believes in the importance of living in harmony with nature. We call on decision-makers to reconsider this policy and restore the natural time setting,” the petition reads.
It also urges more citizens to support the legitimate demand to revert to Morocco’s natural time to safeguard the population’s quality of life.
The petition notably highlights GMT+1’s effects on students’ focus and their ability to absorb information, describing it as a challenge that undermines the quality of education.
“Interfering with the body’s natural rhythm exposes health to many problems, ranging from insomnia to serious psychological and physical disorders,” it adds.
The Moroccan government adopted GMT+1 year-round as part of a draft decree in 2018, sparking protests and widespread concerns among citizens.
Before this decision, Morocco only added 60 minutes to its standard time during the summer season.
Many citizens continue to urge the government to revert to regular time, citing reports and studies indicating that GMT+1 affects daily routines.
A study by the African Center for Strategic and Digital Studies (CAESD) argued in February that the current time policy affects more than schedules; it impacts quality of life, learning, and social well-being, while the promised economic and energy benefits remain unclear.
The study particularly underscored consequences for students and teenagers, noting that their natural sleep cycles begin later. This misalignment leads to fatigue, lateness, and lower academic performance.
The report also stresses broader social consequences: dark mornings make commuting more difficult and increase feelings of insecurity for students and workers leaving home before sunrise. Road safety may also be affected.
As the petition now meets Morocco’s legal threshold, triggering a legislative process, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will launch a parliamentary debate to discuss citizens’ demands regarding GMT+1.
