The two oldest palaces in the city of Laâyoune, the Parador, inherited from the colonial era, and Massira, built by the Moroccan authorities, are managed by a private company.

For more than 36 years, these two hotels have always been considered exemplary hotel establishments. They have hosted numerous delegations without distinction of religion or origin.

Even the bars where alcoholic drinks flow freely have never aroused the anger of the local associative world. Recently, the company managing the two palaces reportedly decided to open two nightclubs in each of these hotels to bring them up to the standards that apply to establishments with the same number of stars throughout the Kingdom. This was not to the liking of the Southern Association for the Protection of the Consumer and the Environment. In a press release of which Libé received a copy accompanied by the letter addressed to the head of government, it denounced the project in question.

According to the said press release, the approach is supported by a number of local associations and trade union organisations as well as by local elected officials and notables. The project initiated by the managing company is vehemently denounced. The signatories also ask local officials not to grant authorisation for the opening of these nightclubs.

Libé contacted the manager of these two palaces to get his version of the facts. He promised to give us a press release explaining his version and his position. Something he has not done so far.

Note that the Southern Association for the Protection of the Consumer and the Environment had planned the organisation of a protest march in front of the Massira hotel, on Saturday afternoon. This demonstration was postponed because, perhaps, of the strong presence of the security forces who had blocked Mekka Avenue near the hotel in front of which the march was to take place.

The officials of the Association simply told us that the march was adjourned, without further details.