The Moroccan party that blends monarchism with Islamic socialism

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Popular Movement is a political paradox. While it serves as a staunch defender of the Moroccan monarchy and rural traditions, it also identifies as an Islamic socialist party. This complex identity helps it navigate the delicate balance between conservative social values and liberal economic principles.

Founded in 1957 by Berber tribal chief Mahjoubi Aherdane and Abdelkrim al-Khatib, the Popular Movement emerged as a rural-focused party designed to counter the nationalist Istiqlal Party. From its inception, the party has maintained an unconditional support for the monarchy, a core pillar of its identity that persists today through its commitment to the constitutional order.

The party's history is marked by significant internal shifts and splintering. In the 1960s, a conflict arose between al-Khatib and Aherdane following King Hassan II's 1965 decision to dissolve Parliament and declare a state of emergency. This friction led al-Khatib to leave in 1967 to form a movement that eventually became the Justice and Development Party (PJD). Later, in 1986, an extraordinary congress removed Aherdane from leadership, leading to the rise of Mohand Laenser as Secretary General.

Despite these divisions, the movement underwent a major reunification in March 2006. This merger brought the original Popular Movement together with the National Popular Movement and the Democratic Union, restoring a single organizational structure. This reorganization saw Aherdane return to the presidency, alongside Mohand Laenser as Secretary General and Mohamed El Fadili as Deputy Secretary General.

Today, the party occupies a unique space on the Moroccan centre-right. It advocates for the recognition of Amazigh identity and Berber customary law, yet it was a major part of the coalition that instituted Arabization in 1965. Its platform remains deeply rooted in agrarianism, focusing on land distribution to tribes and the socioeconomic development of populations outside major urban centres.

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