Morocco protests rising prices

Moroccan cities witnessed demonstrations against high prices on Sunday, during the 11th anniversary of the 20 February 2011 Movement.

According to Anadolu Agency, dozens of Moroccans demonstrated in the centre of the capital, Rabat, (north), in a protest called by the Moroccan Social Front (Non-Governmental).

The protesters denounced high prices and demanded freedom, social justice and limiting price hikes.

Protesters in the northern city of Tangier raised banners, denouncing the compulsory vaccination against the Coronavirus, such as: “We are steadfast, steadfast … refuse of certificate (of vaccination)”.

Meanwhile, social media followers circulated videos of what appeared as demonstrations in the northern city of Fez.

READ: Moroccans protest price hikes, cost of living

Dozens also protested in the north-eastern city of Oujda (north east), in refusal of the high prices.

In 2011, young Moroccans from political organisations and independents gathered on social media networks and launched the “20 February” Movement.

They came out to the streets of the Kingdom, demanding political, constitutional and judicial reforms, in the context of the so-called “Arab Spring” revolutions.

The Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, responded to the protesters’ demands and delivered a speech on 9 March 2011, in which he promised constitutional reforms. After that, a committee to review the Constitution was actually formed.

The protests subsided following the approval of a new Constitution in early July 2011, the organisation of early elections in November of the same year, and forming of a government led by the Justice and Development Party for the first time.

READ: Morocco records spike in alcohol taxes in 2021