Moroccans Protest Against Unemployment, Corruption

Anti-government demonstrations have taken place in the North African state of Morocco. The country underwent elections several months ago., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Moroccans protest against unemployment, corruption

Sun May 27, 2012 6:9PM GMT
presstv.ir

Tens of thousands of people have once again taken to the streets of the Moroccan city of Casablanca in protest against unemployment and social corruption.

"There are more than 50,000 people who are demonstrating to call on the government to start a genuine dialogue addressing our country's social ills," MP Hassan Tariq told reporters on Sunday.

Sunday’s protest was organized by trade unions accusing Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane of failing to follow the vows his Justice and Development Party had made before coming to power last November.

According to Tariq, the trade unions have also called on the premier to “change his strategy.”

Moroccans have been engaged in weekly protests despite King Mohammed VI's announcement of more reforms -- which give more power to the prime minister, but leave the king with a veto power over most governmental decisions.

Moroccans say the parliamentary polls last November failed to display true democratic reforms and that the US-backed ruling monarchy is not committed to real changes. The Justice and Development Party won the most seats and formed a coalition government.

The country has been facing serious economic troubles over the past few years, with high unemployment and rising levels of poverty.