 In March 2011, after the Tunisian revolution, he founded the Popular Petition for Freedom, Justice and Development (Aridha Chaabia), which he promoted from his Al-Mustakilla TV channel and announced his candidature for the presidential elections.On 4 February 2012 Hechmi Hamdi was elected secretary general of the "Party of Progressive Conservatives" (PPC), which is closely linked to the Popular Petition movement.In May 2013 Hechmi Hamdi relaunched his Aridha movement under the new name of "Tayar al-Mahaba", or Current of Love.