فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The usually calm morning atmosphere in Sidi Belhaj Street, home to the Taza Religious Endowment Office, was disrupted today by a protest march organized by several renters of religious endowment properties.
The protesters marched from the old city center to the Endowment Office, voicing their grievances under the scorching sun, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius. They denounced what they described as the Endowment Administration’s overreach and unfair treatment, demanding leniency regarding rental fees and contract terms. Many suffer from severe economic stagnation and a commercial crisis that has forced some to relinquish their rented shops, while others struggle to pay rent.
This marks the second protest within a month and a half, following similar demonstrations in mid-May over the same demands. Protesters chanted slogans against the Endowment Director, Yassine Zakriti, including “This is shameful, director, you oppressor,” and “The director should behave like the endowment, not as if it’s his own.” They warned that the administration’s new policies threaten social peace in the city.
Previously, the Ministry of Endowments did not enforce the strict clauses of its regulations, but with the arrival of Secretary-General Nour Eddine Menaa, the situation changed markedly.
Renters are calling for the regularization of some contracts or those of successors, the cancellation of what they call “excessive fees,” and the drafting of clear, mutually agreed contracts. They also demand no significant rent increases and oppose rent hikes every three years.
The protesters criticized the Endowment Director’s “deaf ear” policy toward their demands and vowed to continue weekly protests, stating they have nothing left to lose.
They also condemned the severe neglect of the old city and its historic landmarks, especially the Grand Mosque. Protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the first district’s local leader, accusing him of delaying the issuance of a professional association’s final approval and pressuring some of its members, lamenting the outdated methods of engaging with civil society.
Furthermore, they voiced frustration over the lack of genuine advocacy from the province’s elected representatives in both parliamentary chambers, aside from minor efforts.
The protest concluded with prayers for the health and success of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
One renter highlighted the severe economic stagnation and social tension in the old city, accusing the Endowment Director of exacerbating the situation. He pointed to the harsh impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on artisans and professionals, alongside inflation’s toll on purchasing power and commercial activity.
He also noted the absence of fair competition among professionals in Taza, citing that the Taza Municipality rents municipal complex shops at 150 dirhams per month without increases, while some Endowment renters face rent hikes exceeding 20%. The widespread presence of informal trade, street vendors, and commercial exhibitions in parking lots of downtown buildings—initially temporary but now permanent—creates unfair competition amid a lack of official intervention.
Additionally, the renter lamented the diminished attractiveness of the old city, noting the Endowment’s neglect of the largest parking lot near Bab Al-Jamaa, which requires urgent rehabilitation.
This protest was organized by a coordination committee of religious endowment property renters. The Endowment Office justified the rent increases as part of the Ministry’s efforts to boost revenue and enhance property value.
It is worth noting that the Endowment Director had previously engaged in dialogue with the renters and promised to forward their demands to the ministry; however, he recently closed the door to further discussions, intensifying tensions between the parties.
