Transforming Rabat's Urban Landscape
The public space reclamation operations initiated by authorities in Rabat are significantly reshaping the urban landscape of the capital. As previously reported by fr.hespress.com, this campaign initially focused on the Agdal neighborhood before progressively expanding to other areas within the "city of light." While these interventions aim to reorganize public spaces, they have raised considerable concerns among various stakeholders, including cafés, restaurants, and local businesses.
In response to this situation, the Moroccan Union of Merchants and Professionals, affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), is calling for a definitive resolution regarding administrative permits. Through its provincial section in Rabat, the union has reiterated the earlier assertion made by the Minister of Industry and Commerce that no permit is required to conduct commercial activities. During a recent informational and consultative meeting held at the UMT headquarters in Rabat, merchants expressed their strong determination to oppose any campaign perceived as detrimental to their operations. According to a statement obtained by Hespress FR, the storefronts of businesses are considered "an integral part of their commercial assets and the very foundations of their activities," underlining their commitment to defending their interests "by all legitimate means."
Merchants Demand Administrative Reforms
The union holds local authorities accountable for the repercussions of the current situation, particularly questioning why certain representatives are now insisting that merchants store gas bottle cages inside their shops. This requirement, they argue, carries significant economic implications. Participants in the meeting emphasized that the distribution of gas bottles serves a vital service to citizens, with profit margins from this activity not exceeding 4%. They warned that they are prepared to cease gas sales if current conditions remain unchanged.
Beyond this specific demand, the union is urging the Rabat Municipal Council to "assume its responsibilities" by simplifying administrative procedures and finding practical solutions to regularize the status of awnings, advertising signs, and temporary occupation permits of public spaces, all while respecting the law and the interests of merchants. The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Rabat is also being called upon to intervene, with professionals requesting the president and members of its board to actively represent and defend their concerns and interests.
In an interview with Hespress, Issa Ouchout, the national secretary of the Moroccan Union of Merchants and Professionals affiliated with the UMT, described the recent meeting as both consultative and decision-making. He noted that it provided an opportunity for merchants to consider potential forms of mobilization in the coming weeks. The high participation rate was indicative of a profound discontent among merchants, who believe they are not responsible for the current circumstances, as they have not been required to possess permits for their activities until now.
Ouchout further emphasized that merchants primarily wish to regularize their situation but insist that administrative procedures be simplified, especially for those who have been operating for many years. He proposed limiting the required documentation for obtaining permits to professional tax, commercial registry number, a copy of the national identity card, a sworn declaration, and utility bills. He reiterated that commercial activities "do not pose any particular risk and have never been subject to permit requirements." While merchants do not oppose measures aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the capital, they lament the lack of prior notification or involvement in the initiation of this campaign.
According to Ouchout, the current execution of the operation has led to a form of "disorder," exposing merchants to financial losses, particularly due to the removal of awnings. Some have been forced to use cardboard or blankets to protect their goods and displays. He concluded by pointing out that the vast majority of merchants in Rabat do not possess the permits now demanded by the authorities.
In closing, the Moroccan Union of Merchants and Professionals reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issues raised "through serious and responsible dialogue with all concerned parties." They called on merchants to continue their mobilization, unite around their union organization, and remain prepared to defend their rights and interests in order to preserve local commerce and its economic and social role. While this campaign has sparked significant dissent among some merchants, it has been widely welcomed by numerous residents, particularly in the Agdal neighborhood, where sidewalks are gradually becoming accessible again. Several local residents believe that while some merchants adhered to the limits of their permitted space, others occupied nearly the entire public domain, often making pedestrian traffic difficult or even impossible. This situation has been particularly challenging for individuals with reduced mobility, parents with strollers, and the elderly, who view this operation as a return to a more balanced sharing of public space.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
