Trade unionists from the left-wing Confédération Démocratique du Travail (CDT) gathered in the historic centre of the economic capital in Casablanca western Morocco on Sunday to denounce the “high cost of living” and “government inaction” despite a ban on protests.
Abdellah Lagbouri, a CDT member who traveled from Agadir in the south to Casablanca, explained, “We’re here to voice our discontent at soaring prices and attacks on purchasing power.”
The demonstrators, almost all dressed in yellow chasubles, armbands, and caps – the union’s colors – protested, stating, “It’s a disgrace, workers’ livelihoods are in danger.” They shouted, “How can the poorest people live” with soaring food prices?”
Originally, the CDT had planned a national march in Casablanca, but it was prohibited by local authorities, according to Tarik Alaoui El Housseini, a member of the CDT National Council, said “We stuck to a sit-in,” he explained.
The rally occurred without major incidents, with only a few clashes with the police, according to reports from the scene.
Morocco is grappling with rising prices, particularly for food products, which are impacting the most vulnerable households.
Inflation slowed slightly in April, with a year-on-year rate of 7.8%, following 10.1% in February and 8.2% in March, according to official statistics.
However, the increase in food prices remains significant, with a year-on-year rise of 16.3%.
This inflation can be partially attributed to the persistent rainfall deficit, which is affecting the agricultural sector – the backbone of the Moroccan economy – and causing a sharp increase in fruit and vegetable prices.
Nadia Soubat, a member of the union’s executive board, said that the CDT condemns “the government’s inaction in implementing the social agreement signed last year.”
In April 2022, the executive signed a “social agreement” with the main trade unions and employers, which included an increase in the minimum wage in both the private and public sectors as a key measure.
“Despite the difficult economic climate, the government has fulfilled a significant portion of its commitments,” recently stated government spokesman Mustapha Baïtas.