Mar 22 • 11:24 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

Morocco: a petition for the return of universal time collects more than 100,000 signatures

A petition in Morocco advocating for the return to universal time has garnered over 100,000 signatures, with supporters citing significant negative impacts on health and well-being.

In Morocco, a petition has emerged calling for a return to universal time, which has already amassed over 100,000 signatures. This movement comes as the country recently shifted its time back following Ramadan, highlighting ongoing dissatisfaction with the current time zone, officially set to UTC+1 since 2018. During Ramadan, Morocco adjusts to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), but many citizens wish to maintain UTC year-round, believing it aligns better with their biological clocks.

Advocates for the petition argue that the UTC+1 time, adopted by Morocco, disrupts their sleep patterns and affects their overall health, concentration, and mood. This sentiment is widely echoed among residents in cities like Casablanca, where the effects of time changes are frequently discussed. Petitioners emphasize that maintaining UTC could improve daily life, with many citing examples from other countries that have similar practices.

The movement reflects a broader conversation around time zones and their impact on lifestyle and productivity, and if successful, it could lead to significant changes in how time is regulated in Morocco. The government’s response will be crucial in determining whether this push for universal time will gain traction and potentially alter the country's current practices.

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