Moroccans protest cost of living, Islamist government

5,000 people gathered in Rabat Sunday to protest the country's rising costs of living and the Islamist government, according to AFP.  Members of the UGTM trade union associated with the Istiqlal party is reported to have called for the demonstration.

The peaceful gathering preceded a threatened 72-hour transportation sector strike after gas prices increased last week under the country's controversial indexation system.

Morocco imports almost all of its energy supplies and has used fuel subsidies to alleviate the impact of price fluctuations on Moroccans' daily lives. However, government budget deficits and a failing public finance system are beginning to undermine such policies.

Protestors told reporters that price hikes on milk and meat as well as the lack of employment in the country has also added to their daily struggle to support their basic needs.