BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- On Tuesday, forty cities across Morocco were engulfed by mass demonstrations aimed at denouncing the policies of impoverishment, repression, political arrests, and social oppression carried out by the Makhzen regime. Commemorating the popular uprising of June 20, 1981, these protests provided trade unions and various segments of society with an opportunity to voice their concerns over soaring food and fuel prices and to demand the release of political prisoners.
A Unified Front Against Injustice
From Rabat to Casablanca, Fez to Tangier, and many other cities including Meknes, Oujda, Jercif, Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Salé, Kenitra, Marrakech, and Safi, demonstrators filled the streets, passionately expressing their discontent with the high cost of living and demanding improved living conditions for all Moroccans. Chanting slogans against social injustice, these unified voices called for an end to the policy of impoverishment and the pursuit of corrupt practices, privileges, and the concentration of wealth.
Speaking on behalf of the Moroccan Social Front, national coordinator Younes Farachin declared, “Today, we take to the streets to highlight that Moroccans are living under conditions very similar to those of 1981. We will continue to demonstrate as a united front, expressing the anger felt by all Moroccans who have fallen victim to policies that perpetuate impoverishment and all forms of corruption.”
Socioeconomic Challenges and Inequality
The demonstrations highlighted the growing social disparities and the profound impact of economic challenges on the lives of ordinary citizens. Key concerns revolved around high unemployment rates, soaring prices of essential commodities, and the surging inflation that continues to erode people’s purchasing power. Such conditions, according to the union leader, reflect a worrisome “marriage of money with power” that exacerbates socioeconomic inequalities within the country.
These demonstrations across Morocco have revealed the widespread dissatisfaction with the policies of the Makhzen regime and the adverse socioeconomic conditions experienced by many Moroccans.
