Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat–Driss Lachgar has secured a fourth consecutive term as Secretary-General of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP). Lachgar won the support of the majority of delegates at the party’s 12th National Congress, running from October 17 to 19 in Bouznika.
According to the official results announced early Saturday, 26 congress delegates voted against extending Lachgar’s mandate, while a large majority endorsed his reconduction at the helm of the historic socialist party.
The congress, which brought together nearly 1,600 members, was marked by a spirit of unity, democracy, and openness, with participants emphasizing the importance of preserving the party’s organizational and political achievements over the past decade.
Under the theme “Morocco on the Rise: Socially, Economically, and Politically,” delegates stressed the need to continue reforming and modernizing the party to meet upcoming political challenges.
The congress unanimously approved the moral and financial reports during proceedings, praising the party’s accomplishments under Lachgar’s leadership and calling for continued momentum across political, economic, and social fronts.
A career lawyer, former deputy, and ex-minister during the transition period led by the late Abderrahmane Youssoufi (1998–2002), Driss Lachgar reaffirmed the USFP’s socialist ideals. He and his team have repeatedly criticized government shortcomings in areas such as health, education, employment, and purchasing power.
Ahead of his reelection, Lachgar urged the government to respond quickly to youth concerns, which had recently manifested in public demonstrations.
The congress also relied on Article 217 of the party’s internal statutes, which allows for the extension of a leadership mandate when it serves the “supreme interest of the organization.”
