Benkirane: PJD Achieved Political Milestones Beyond Reach of Other Moroccan Parties

Rabat – Abdelilah Benkirane, the Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), recently made remarks that are sure to unsettle other political parties.

The former Head of Government made his remarks on Saturday in a party activity organized by the Women of Justice and Development Party.

For Benkirane, PJD achieved what no other party in Morocco has been able to accomplish politically, notably leading the government for two consecutive terms.

However, these remarks were not the ones that could strike a nerve.

Benkirane went on to add that some parties are merely “scene fillers” or tools used when convenient, including the Socialist Union of Popular Forces – which he described as “marginalized.”

He added that even the Socialist Union Party, once the strongest in Morocco, and the Istiqlal did not lead the government for two consecutive terms.

The former head of government acknowledged the challenges facing his party, including resource shortages. He, however, emphasized the importance of preserving to regain strength.

He notably recalled the 2021 elections 2021, where the Rally of Independents Party (RNI), the Authenticity and Modernity Party, and Al Istiqlal dominated.

“Our defeat in the 2021 elections could have wiped us out completely, causing us to disappear from the political scene, which is possible…or we could have become a marginal or manipulated party,” he said.

He stressed that challenges, his party has proven itself to be both respectable and strong.

“I don’t want to say that we are the most important opposition party… but I have the right to say it.”

He highlighted that PJD’s political journey spans 32 years but their active engagement began in 1988.

Benkirane has been vocal in his criticism of the current government under Aziz Akhannouch.

The former head of government particularly opposed reforms proposed by Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouaahbi on individualism, warning that such reforms could undermine established norms and values within Morocco.

Benkirane served as a head of government from November 2011 to April 2017 when the PJD Party won the majority of votes during government elections.