On Monday (1 May 2023), hundreds of Moroccan trade unionists demonstrated in Rabat, the country’s capital, to voice their displeasure with the country’s escalating inflation, falling purchasing power, and skyrocketing food prices.
To increase purchasing power, the unions are requesting, among other things, a cap on fuel prices, lower taxes on essential goods, and lower income taxes.
We are celebrating May Day today at the UNTM (National Labour Union of Morocco, Ed.) in order to protect the public’ declining purchasing power. Vice-President of the Moroccan National Labor Union Adra Idrissi stated, “We are here to defend every citizen, every worker, and every public servant.
Since we are dealing with a very serious situation, Abdelali Hamieddine, a member of the General Secretariat of the Justice and Development Party, added, “Today we are demanding social justice, freedom, and a reorganization of the socio-economic conditions in Morocco.”
According to official statistics, Morocco’s inflation rate reached 8.2% in March, including a 16.1% increase in food costs.
Food costs are being further impacted by a persistent rainfall shortage in the agricultural sector, which is essential to the Moroccan economy.
