Abdelilah Benkirane prioritizes religious values over economic issues

Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), has sparked debate following recent political rallies in Tetouan and Tangier. During a speech in Tetouan, Benkirane stated that rising prices for meat and poultry are not the most important issue for Moroccans, arguing instead that religious creed, values, and social identity should take priority.

Benkirane also addressed social issues, discussing the party's historical opposition to national plans for women's integration into development, citing concerns over family cohesion. He distinguished between equality and justice, suggesting that justice involves giving everyone their due rights rather than identical treatment. He further commented on declining marriage rates and criticized calls to publicize relationships outside of marriage.

In Tangier, Benkirane concluded a week of campaigning with an emotional encounter with Abdullah Ichbabu, a veteran figure from the party's foundational generation. Ichbabu, a former parliamentarian and religious activist, represents the historical transition of the movement from clandestine religious work to formal political participation.