After years of national debate, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced today that Morocco will permanently abandon the GMT+1 time offset at the end of summer 2026 and restore the country’s legal time (GMT). This long-awaited decision directly responds to widespread citizen demands voiced over recent years.
Speaking to public television channels following Thursday’s government council meeting on June 25, 2026, Akhannouch explained that the move follows extensive consultations within the governing coalition and careful attention to public concerns. He acknowledged that maintaining daylight saving time had caused significant disruptions for many Moroccans, prompting the government to opt for a return to standard time.
“This choice stems from a thorough assessment of the impacts of the current summer time and fully takes into account the remarks made in the past,” Akhannouch emphasised.
The announcement brings closure to a long-running controversy. Since the adoption of the extra hour, numerous citizens and civil society groups have persistently urged a return to the original time zone, arguing it better aligns with daily routines, children’s school schedules, and overall social wellbeing.
