Daily Press Review - Friday, January 12, 2024
LIBERATION
Hassan Alaoui: Journalism is a Responsibility Before Being a Freedom
Moroccan journalist Hassan Alaoui, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of "Maroc diplomatique," emphasized at the International Union of Francophone Press (UPF) Symposium in Dakar that journalism is "a responsibility before being a freedom." Alaoui highlighted the dilemma between responsibility and freedom in the journalistic profession, asserting that these two concepts are initially contradictory but represent a "double requirement." He also addressed crucial questions about the role of journalism, especially in covering crises, conflicts, and combating disinformation. Alaoui stressed the inherent difficulty of the journalism profession and called for self-reflection to uphold ethics and the virtues of freedom. He also criticized the "hypocrisy" of certain Western media outlets regarding issues related to Morocco, particularly concerning the Kingdom's firm stance in favor of the Palestinian cause and Al Qods Acharif.
AUJOURD'HUI LE MAROC
National Market Well-Supplied
Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, assured that the national market is well-supplied with food products ahead of Ramadan 2024. During a meeting with representatives of relevant interprofessions, Sadiki confirmed that producers have taken necessary measures to ensure adequate supply in terms of quantity and diversity of products, including vegetables, fruits, red meats, and cereal derivatives. He emphasized the priority given to the irrigation project in the current drought context. The government has implemented measures to ensure the normal supply of agricultural products to markets and monitors prices daily. The meeting aimed to define necessary actions to meet the national market's needs during Ramadan, considering the global context of rising prices.
L'ECONOMISTE
Water Alert
Nadia Fettah Alaoui analyzes the stakes and consequences of water stress on the national economy.
The period from 2019 to 2022 has been the driest in the last forty years in Morocco, with a constant decrease in water resources. Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, provided an alarming diagnosis during a conference in Rabat. The trend of decreasing water availability per capita is expected to worsen in the long term, decreasing from 2,570 cubic meters per capita in 1960 to 620 cubic meters in 2020. The critical threshold of 500 cubic meters per capita could be reached by 2030. The minister highlighted the socio-economic stakes and the impact on agriculture, representing 88% of national public demand. Despite efforts by the authorities to strengthen agricultural resilience, sustainable water management, and diversify supply sources, climate change has had repercussions on the agri-food trade balance and agricultural value added.
LA VIE ECO
Yennayer, a Reality
Morocco officially celebrates the Amazigh New Year on January 14, which becomes a public holiday. This initiative is part of implementing the law to officialize Amazigh language and culture. With adequate financial support, the government is progressing in the process. The Amazigh language is now taught in 31% of primary education institutions, with the goal of reaching 50% by the 2025-2026 school year. Agreements between several ministries have been signed to accelerate language integration, and the Department of Culture plans an agreement with an Amazigh channel to promote Amazigh productions.