Morocco: Protests Erupt In Different Cities Over High Cost Of Living

Demonstrations were organised on Saturday night in different cities of Morocco to protest against the soaring prices of foodstuffs at the call of a coalition of left-wing parties.

More than sixty people marched in Casablanca against the exorbitant cost of living at the Sraghna plaza in a popular section of the megalopolis, according to AFP. 

"I can't take it any longer; life has become painful as a result of the price increase," said Fouad, 21, who took part in the rally organized by the Social Front, a coalition of left-wing organizations and labour unions.

"I feel like I don't have a future," said the young apprentice tailor.

We condemn the government's policy, which claimed to be a "social state" but has turned out to be one of the social discrepancies," said Abdelkader Amri, executive board member of the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT, left).

Demonstrators also gathered in Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech.

"The price increase is a disgrace," "Our country is agricultural, but vegetables are expensive," yelled sixty protestors gathered in front of the capital's parliament, according to AFP. 

The rallies come amid a spike in inflation, which has enraged labour unions, the parliamentary opposition, and the local media.

This inflation is exacerbated by a strong increase in food costs (+18.2%) in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan when consumption typically rises.

According to the HCP, growth rose to +3% in the first quarter of 2023, up from +0.3% at the same time last year.

Simultaneously, on March 21, the Central Bank of Morocco hiked its key rate by 50 basis points to 3% to temper price increases impacting low-income and vulnerable people.

Since September 2022, the BAM has hiked its key rate three times.

This move contradicts the government's plan for the kingdom's economic recovery.