Moroccans protest in Rabat against high cost of living

Moroccans have rallied in the capital in protest at the rise in prices and the high cost of living.

The rally organized by Morocco’s main trade union - National Labor Union of Morocco (UNTM) - was held outside Parliament in Rabat on Sunday.

"Our Union is organizing this demonstration today to address public opinion, the government, the parliament, the political, economic and social parties, and the living forces," said Mohamed Zouiten, a trade unionist.

"Enough (of suffocating the people) with the purchasing power of the citizens, enough of the high prices of fuel, raw materials and foodstuffs," added Zouiten.

Protesters slammed the government for failing to curb rising prices, chanting, "Prices are rising and the government is asleep!"

The demonstration came after several similar protests this week in Rabat and other cities across the nation.

Consumer price inflation was 8.3 percent year-on-year in September, in large, because of increasing food prices, which were up 14.7 percent.

Fuel prices have also soared, making Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, a billionaire local oil distribution baron, a particular target of ire.

ME