Moroccans Protest against Soaring Food Prices

Hundreds of Moroccan trade union activists rallied in the capital, Rabat, to protest against declining purchasing power, soaring inflation, and rocketing food prices.

Report says the unions are demanding, among other things, a ceiling on fuel prices, a reduction in taxes on basic products, and a reduction in income tax to support purchasing power.

The Vice-President of the National Labour Union of Morocco, Adra Idrissi said “Today we are celebrating May Day at the National Labour Union of Morocco, Ed, UNTM to defend the citizens’ eroding purchasing power. We are here to defend every citizen, every employee, and every civil servant.”

While Abdelali Hamieddine, member of the General Secretariat of the Justice and Development Party, added “Today we are demanding social justice, freedom, and a reorganisation of the socio-economic conditions in Morocco, given that we are facing a very serious situation.”

Report says inflation in Morocco hit 8.2% in March, including a 16.1% rise in food prices, according to official statistics.

The agricultural sector, which is crucial to the Moroccan economy, is also facing a chronic rainfall deficit, which is further straining food prices.

AFRICANEWS/Christopher Ojilere