Morocco reviews public holiday system and faces electoral challenges

Moroccan Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni has addressed the current public holiday system, noting that the public sector observes 17 official holidays. She described this number as “very sick” (جد مرض) when compared to several Arab nations, such as Egypt with 13 days, Tunisia with 15, and Algeria with nine. Any potential revision of the holiday schedule would require an economic study and the involvement of both public and private sector stakeholders to assess social and economic impacts.

Separately, political analysis regarding the upcoming legislative elections in Morocco suggests challenges for the ruling National Rally of Independents. While the party's performance is viewed as moderate rather than a total failure, it faces significant pressure due to social issues, including the rising cost of living and declining purchasing power. The party, led by Aziz Akhannouch, is navigating a political landscape shaped by its background of technocratic and business leadership, which may impact its standing in the next electoral cycle.