Moroccans protest rising cost of living

ALBAWABA - Hundreds of Moroccans took to the streets in several cities to protest against a rising cost of living.

Videos circulated on social media platforms showed demonstrators in the peaceful, but noisy event calling on the authorities to intervene to put an end to the rise of prices of basic commodities.

Several towns, including Tangier (North), Asfi (West), Oujda (East), Casablanca and Meknes (North), saw hundreds of protesters thronging into public squares to reject the price hikes.

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said the government undertook measures to ensure that supplies reach the market and continue subsidizing transport fees, a move he said would contribute to stabilizing food prices in the coming weeks.

Over the past few days, trade unions organized mass vigils in some cities, while other groups called for staging more demonstrations on Feb. 20.