The Parti de la justice et du développement (PJD) has controlled the majority of parliament since 2011. This is in large part due to its ability to collaborate with other political powers and its recognition of King Mohammed VI’s unquestioned position as leader of religious life. The latter issue implies an unbalanced relationship between the PJD and the monarchy. The PJD needs the monarchy to stay in power more than the latter needs the PJD’s recognition of its dominance.

The monarchy has therefore been able to deflect blame for the rising inequalities that are sparking periodic destabilising unrest against the PJD-led government. On the former issue, the PJD is dependent on many other parties to maintain its political dominance. Managing those relationships has become more difficult in the last 12-24 months as the government has come under pressure from the monarchy on the one-hand, who appoint certain Palace-connected institutions to key positions; but also pressure from the people during the protests on the other side.

The PJD’s Prime Minister Saâdeddine El-Othmane worked with the Palace to implement a decision to dissolve the Secretariat of State in Charge of Water on 20 August. The official explanation for the decision was to improve water management but there were suspicions that this was a political move to consolidate power. The head of the secretariat, Carafate Avilla, was a member of the Parti du Progress et du Socialismo (PPS). Consequently it was expected that the PPS’ political bureau would meet on 22 September to discuss withdrawing from the ruling coalition with the PJD but the meeting has been postponed. The PPS has been part of this coalition since the PJD came to power after the 2011 elections.

To prevent the PPS’ exit from the coalition, the PJD officials have embarked on a flurry of meetings in recent weeks to find a mutual solution. Former government officials including former PJD minister Said Saidi, dismissed breathless speculation about the collapse of the government as a result of the rift. Saidi claimed that there is no real interest in dissolving the coalition because it serves the interests of the powerful politicians who have consolidated their control of the PPS and because the party was compensated for this loss of a position. One of its leaders was subsequently appointed as Ambassador to Jordan. Other observers see this as just the latest of many signs of inevitable fraying in the PJD coalition government.

This is part of an article from our monthly Morocco Focus report. To receive the rest of the report, or to discuss any country-related matters, please contact one of our consultants here.