Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party political system. While the King holds significant executive power, political parties play a key role in parliamentary representation, governance, and legislation.
Here’s an overview of the main political groups and parties in Morocco:
Key Political Institutions
- The King (currently Mohammed VI):
- Head of State
- Appoints the Prime Minister from the majority party
- Holds authority over religious, security, and foreign affairs
- Parliament:
- Bicameral: House of Representatives (lower) & House of Councillors (upper)
- Political parties compete in national elections to form the government
Main Political Parties in Morocco
| Party Name | Ideology | Key Info |
|---|
1. National Rally of Independents (RNI)
- Ideology: Liberal, pro-business
- Leader: Aziz Akhannouch (current Prime Minister)
- Known For: Leading party since 2021 elections, pro-development agenda
2. Justice and Development Party (PJD)
- Ideology: Islamist, socially conservative, moderately democratic
- Recent Role: Led the government (2011–2021)
- Recent Status: Suffered a major loss in the 2021 elections
3. Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM)
- Ideology: Secular, modernist, centrist to center-left
- Founded By: Allies of the monarchy in 2008
- Position: Strong opposition force, now part of ruling coalition
4. Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP)
- Ideology: Social-democratic, progressive
- Historical Role: Major political force in the 1990s–2000s
- Current Status: Part of the ruling coalition
5. Istiqlal Party
- Ideology: Conservative nationalism
- Founded: Pre-independence (oldest party in Morocco)
- Known For: Strong rural support base; in ruling coalition
6. Popular Movement (MP)
- Ideology: Center-right, Berber identity, traditional values
- Support Base: Rural and Amazigh populations
- Role: Frequently part of government coalitions
7. Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS)
- Ideology: Left-wing, socialist, former communist roots
- Role: Influential in education, health, and social affairs
8. Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD)
- Ideology: Democratic socialism, secularism
- Status: Minority but active opposition bloc
Political Dynamics
- Coalition governments are the norm due to Morocco’s fragmented parliament
- The King has final say on major matters like religion, security, and diplomacy
- Political parties must align with the monarchy’s “red lines” (e.g., on Western Sahara)
