HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Baraka
In light of the escalating tension between taxi drivers and providers of transportation services via electronic applications "Ayn Drive," the Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, issued a decisive statement putting an end to the chaos that began to threaten public security.
The minister affirmed, before Parliament, that any interference or objection by application drivers from professional bodies is illegal and should only be done by the competent authorities and in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Tension Turns into a Field Confrontation
In recent months, several Moroccan cities, especially Casablanca, have witnessed a series of serious clashes between taxi professionals and some drivers who work through digital platforms. In the absence of a legal framework to regulate this type of transportation, the conflict turned into something like an attempt to "impose order" by some professionals in the traditional sector, through chases and interceptions in the streets, outside any legal authorization.
These violations reached a shocking level after a tragic incident in which a young driver was killed following a dangerous chase by a group of taxi drivers, an event that caused widespread resentment and brought back the discussion about the need to protect the right to work and ensure road safety.
The Interior Ministry: Public Order is the State's Responsibility Alone
Laftit stressed in his speech that protecting public order is not, and cannot be, the exclusive jurisdiction of any professional group, whatever its circumstances or demands, confirming that the state will not allow turning the street into an area for revenge or settling professional scores.
The Minister added that "illegal actions committed under the pretext of protecting the profession will be dealt with with all severity," in a clear reference to the official approach towards preventing any practices that are not based on the law, especially those that threaten the safety of citizens.
A Legal Vacuum Imposes Urgent Reform
Despite the increasing spread of transportation services via applications, this sector still lacks a clear legal framework that defines the conditions of work and ensures a balance between the various actors. This vacuum has created a state of tension, the price of which is paid by citizens and professionals alike.
Experts believe that accelerating the issuance of special legislation for transportation via digital platforms has become an urgent necessity, whether to regulate the market and control competition, or to protect drivers and users alike, while preserving the rights of taxi professionals who complain about unregulated competition.
The State's Message: Respect for the Law Above All Else
The Minister's recent statements carry a strong message that violence and chaos will not be a means to resolve professional disputes, and that the coming phase will witness greater control of the sector, ensuring the citizen's freedom of choice, road safety, and respect for the law.
With his recent stance, Laftit seems to have drawn a clear line between the right to defend professional demands and falling into illegal practices, confirming that the state alone is the guarantor of order and the legal reference for any intervention.
