Ready to uncover the story of a political party right here in Casablanca? This is the Authenticity and Modernity Party. It is often abbreviated as PAM. PAM is a significant player in Morocco’s political landscape.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party was founded on August 8 in 2008. It emerged from the Movement of All Democrats. This movement reflected changes in Morocco during the early 2000s. There was a need for political dynamics. These dynamics would support the structural reforms Morocco was undertaking.
PAM’s creation stemmed from a shared belief. Actors of different sensitivities held this belief. The national political scene suffered from division. It also lacked coherence and efficiency. There was a disinterest in politics. This situation called for new political approaches. These approaches needed to meet current demands. They also had to address the challenges of the time.
The party’s ideology rests on Morocco’s traditional foundations. These include the Muslim religion. Also they include a constitutional democratic and social monarchy. Territorial integrity is another foundation. PAM embraces modern values. It also supports universal human rights. These guarantee freedom and human dignity.
PAM’s vision incorporates key reports. The Centenary Report reviewed public policies. It covered half a century. The Equity and Reconciliation Commission report examined past human rights violations. The ideals of social democracy also influenced PAM.
PAM emerged when traditional parties struggled. They could not mobilize Moroccan youth. This led to mistrust of politics. PAM aimed to build a state. This state would be based on political ideological and linguistic pluralism.
Besides members of the Movement of All Democrats PAM absorbed five parties. These were the Al Ahd Party. Also the Environment and Development Party joined PAM. The Alliance of Freedoms Party also joined. The Citizenship and Development Initiative Party became part of PAM. So did the National Democratic Party.
The party structure includes modernist political and economic elites. They come from liberal and left-wing parties. The structure also includes local figures with influence.
PAM aims to strengthen political action. It wants to promote proximity and ethics in public life. The party also wants to involve elites in politics. This is to strengthen democratic choices. It aims to implement major projects. These projects were launched under the new leadership.
Several important figures have led the Authenticity and Modernity Party. Hassan Benaddi led the party initially in 2008. Cheikh Mohammed Biadillah was elected secretary general in 2009. Mustapha Bakkouri followed as secretary general. Ilyas Omari then became the party leader. Hakim Benchemach took over in 2018. Abdellatif Ouahbi was elected secretary general in 2020.
PAM holds significant representation in the legislative institution. It is the second largest force in the House of Representatives. It has the largest group in the House of Councilors. PAM also holds the Presidency of the Chamber of Councilors.
The party leads several regional councils. These include Marrakech-Safi and Casablanca-Settat. They also include Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Orient and Beni Mellal-Khenifra. PAM heads many prefectural and provincial councils. It also presides over numerous professional chambers. The party leads many urban and rural municipalities. PAM also has thousands of municipal councilors.
Standing here we can reflect on PAM’s role. It contributes to Morocco’s political evolution. It strives to address the needs of its citizens. The party seeks to modernize the country.