Morocco’s PJD bets on Palestinian solidarity to win back its base
Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) signaled a pivot back to its ideological roots on April 25th, with a renewed emphasis on Palestinian solidarity, according to the New Arab plus agencies. After a devastating defeat in the 2021 elections, former prime minister Abdelilah Benkirane was re-elected secretary-general, marking a tactical shift back to the PJD’s traditional values ahead of the 2026 elections.
In his first speech after winning a new term, Benkirane declared that support for Palestine was a “moral, religious, and national duty,” and was seen wiping away tears as a tribute song honoring Palestinian martyrs echoed through the hall.
The moment sparked controversy across local media and social media platforms, especially as the PJD oversaw the normalisation of the country’s relations with Israel in 2020. Many saw this as theatrics intended to sway voters, while others interpreted it as a sign of regret.
Benkirane nevertheless affirmed: “We stand with Gaza and with Palestine, always and forever”, a statement compounded by the invitation of a Hamas delegation to the congress. Though visa complications meant their participation was virtual, this drew sharp criticism from Morocco’s pro-normalisation factions.
But the PJD is working to reconnect with its disillusioned voter base. Notably, the former leader Saad Eddine El-Othmani, who had signed the Abraham Accords, was absent from the proceedings. Despite losing nearly 90 percent of its electoral seats in the 2021 election –a landslide defeat that analysts have attributed to the normalisation agreement– El-Othmani remains unapologetic, insisting it was a “state decision” made in Morocco’s national interest.
Framing the PJD as unbowed, Benkirane stated “[We are] not tied to America, Russia, the Gulf, or even the state itself”, positioning the party in contrast to current Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, a billionaire tycoon whose long-standing rivalry with Benkirane goes back to 2016.
Once a dominant force, the party is now politically isolated and is now relying on Benkirane’s tears to undo the “unforgivable” decision to normalise relations with Israel.
New Arab/agencies, Maghrebi
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