Morocco's Shift Back to Standard Time
On the night of September 19th to 20th, 2026, clocks across Morocco will be set back by one hour, marking a permanent return to standard time. This decision comes just days before the parliamentary elections and fulfills a widespread demand from the Moroccan populace. The government’s move is seen as a significant shift away from the year-round daylight saving time that was implemented in 2018, which aimed to better align the country's economic activities with European trading partners, particularly France and Spain.
Prior to the 2018 change, the clocks in Morocco were frequently adjusted before and after the holy month of Ramadan. This practice led to a sense of disorientation among many citizens, who often felt as though they were experiencing jet lag. The shift in time meant that their days began in darkness, as the sun rose much later than the clock indicated. The discomfort caused by this misalignment ultimately led to a significant public outcry, with hundreds of thousands of individuals signing a petition against the continuation of daylight saving time. Advocates for the change argue that reverting to standard time allows people to reconnect with their natural rhythms and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
As reported by deutschlandfunknova.de.
