The Moroccan parliamentary election of 2011 secured a plurality of seats for the Justice and Development Party, propelling Abdelilah Benkirane into the office of Prime Minister. Serving until 2017, he steered a coalition government that navigated complex domestic economic targets and international diplomatic relations while maintaining a political identity rooted in democratic and Islamist principles.
Political Evolution
Born in 1954 in the al-Akkari suburb of Rabat, Benkirane began his political life as a leftist activist during the 1970s. He later shifted his allegiance to the Islamist organization Shabiba Islamiya. His legislative career commenced on 14 November 1997 when he began representing Salé in the Moroccan parliament. By July 2008, he had ascended to the leadership of the Justice and Development Party, succeeding Saadeddine Othmani.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure as Prime Minister
Benkirane assumed the role of Prime Minister on 29 November 2011. His administration prioritized an average annual economic growth rate of 5.5 percent, with a goal to lower the jobless rate from 9.1 percent in 2012 to 8 percent by the conclusion of 2016. During this mandate, he fostered strengthened trade ties with the European Union and intensified engagement with the Gulf Co-operation Council. Following the 2016 general election, he was reappointed on 10 October 2016, though he faced significant challenges in building a functioning government coalition.
Controversies and Public Rhetoric
Throughout his career, Benkirane attracted criticism for remarks concerning gender roles and family law. In 2014, his description of stay-at-home mothers as illuminated lights compared to working women sparked public protests. Further controversy erupted in 2015 when he claimed that underage marriage did not exist in Morocco, characterizing the unions of 16 and 17-year-old girls as choices. His later assertions regarding the necessity of prioritizing marriage over university education to avoid spinsterhood led to formal condemnations from various feminist organizations.
Departure and Return
The inability to form a stable government following the 2016 election led King Mohammed VI to dismiss Benkirane on 15 March 2017, replacing him with Saadeddine Othmani two days later. Benkirane resigned from parliament in April 2017. He eventually returned to the forefront of his party, securing re-election as secretary-general on 30 October 2021 after the party's election loss. He solidified his leadership in April 2025 by winning 69.4 percent of the party vote.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Rabat
- Prime Minister of Morocco: 2011-2017
- Political Party: Justice and Development Party
- Education: Mohammed V University
- Languages: Arabic, French
- Parliamentary Representation: Salé (since 1997)
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
What was the duration of Benkirane's term as Prime Minister?
He served as Prime Minister of Morocco from 29 November 2011 until 17 March 2017.
What is his current political role?
As of April 2025, he serves as the secretary-general of the Justice and Development Party.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Morocco (2011–2017)
- Educated at Mohammed V University at Agdal and Mohammed V University
