Benkirane and the Game of Blurring the Lines: When Patriotism Is Reduced to Imported Slogans

ALDAR /Analysis

Amid a Moroccan political scene yearning for clarity in national priorities, former Prime Minister and leader of the Justice and Development Party, Abdelilah Benkirane, sparked controversy with his statement: “There is no difference between Moroccans and Palestinians except geography.” This sweeping assertion, crossing both geographical and intellectual borders, cannot simply be read as an expression of humanitarian solidarity. Rather, it reveals a troubling tendency to obscure national identity under the banners of external causes.

By artificially linking Morocco’s internal affairs with the Palestinian cause, Benkirane risks subjecting the Moroccan identity to dangerous emotional overbidding. When loyalty to one’s homeland becomes contingent upon embracing foreign political agendas, patriotism is hollowed out, stripped of its real and historically rooted significance. Even more concerning is that Benkirane does not merely express a personal opinion; he escalates to accusing anyone who disagrees with him of being “agents of the occupation,” a perilous rhetorical leap aimed at discrediting nationalists committed to Morocco’s unity and dignity.

These statements raise urgent questions about the boundaries of political discourse in Morocco: Does a political leader have the right to exploit foreign causes to manipulate domestic public opinion? Can the long-standing Moroccan struggle for sovereignty and unity be reduced to mere solidarity with causes—no matter how just—that should not become a weapon against ideological opponents?

True patriotism requires no certification from anyone. It is not measured by how loudly slogans are shouted or by competing over foreign causes. Moroccans have fought throughout history to defend their homeland and preserve their independent political will, never allowing anyone to confiscate their voice or question their loyalty. To use the Palestinian cause—with all its symbolism and justice—as a tool to promote narratives of political blackmail and internal betrayal serves neither Palestine nor Morocco. Instead, it threatens to fracture national unity.

Benkirane’s attempt to paint patriotism with imported standards does not honor Morocco’s proud history nor the sacrifices of its people. Morocco is a nation with its own independent identity, deep-rooted heritage, and a national struggle that must remain safeguarded from the opportunistic exploitation of any foreign cause, no matter how noble.

Politics demands responsibility, not the use of emotions as a weapon against political rivals. Today, more than ever, Moroccans need a political discourse that respects their intelligence and their true national priorities, rather than escapism into external issues exploited for narrow partisan interests.