Protesters in several cities in Morocco on Sunday rallied against rising prices and to commemorate the eleventh anniversary of demonstrations that called for reform.
In the capital Rabat, dozens of protesters decried the high cost of basic goods and shouted slogans harking back to the “February 20 Movement”.
Many speakers addressed the crowds, and lamented that none of their demands for social justice, gender equality among others, have been achieved in 11 years.
There were similar protests in the capital, Rabat, and in Tangiers.
Morocco’s economy has been hit hard by drought and the coronavirus pandemic.
A similar campaign has been taking place on social media platforms under the hashtag “no to price hikes”.
Some posted video footage of themselves on their bikes having abandoned their cars as they could not afford the higher petrol prices.
The pro-reform and anti-corruption movement was born out of the Arab Spring uprisings that rocked the Middle East in 2011. Dozens also rallied in Casablanca and Tangiers.
Drought has hurt the country’s economy and Moroccans are also feeling the pinch from high fuel prices.
According to an economy ministry official, Some 3.8 billion dirhams (over $400 million) is needed for flour subsidies alone in 2022.
