A review of the Moroccan press on Monday, September 23, 2024

Assabah: The National Association of Media and Publishers Discusses the Future of Journalism in the Face of Financial Challenges

In a general meeting held last Friday at one of the hotels in the economic capital, Driss Chahtane, President of the National Association of Media and Publishers, discussed the situation of journalism in Morocco, pointing to the financial challenges facing media enterprises. Chahtane raised important questions about the role of government support in paying journalists' salaries, indicating that the current situation suggests that the sector is approaching "begging." In his speech, Chahtane criticized the increasing number of intruders in the profession who exploit social media to spread information despite their lack of knowledge, leading to a decline in the role of journalists. He emphasized the need to support structured enterprises that meet certain criteria, warning of the spread of indiscipline in the sector. The office members addressed the importance of training and qualification, pointing to new initiatives to improve journalists' skills, especially in the sports field. The secretary-general of the association, Mokhtar Al-Ghaoui, presented a report on the association's activities since its establishment, praising efforts made to ensure employee salaries.

Military Corruption Scandal: Manipulation of 5,600 Liters of Fuel in Morocco

Investigations have revealed a corruption scandal within the Moroccan army involving the manipulation of large quantities of fuel, with a total of 5,600 liters of gasoline and diesel being tampered with. The data showed that a lieutenant commander of the mobile warehouse unit in the M'Asa region, south of Agadir, requested an additional 400 liters of gasoline to be added to the stolen quantity. During a fire in the area's garage, judicial gendarmerie elements seized 11 barrels with a capacity of 200 liters each; these barrels had been purchased by the military official with his own money with the aim of re-trading the surplus. The investigations led to five individuals being referred to the military criminal chamber, including officers and assistants, on charges of stealing materials intended for auxiliary forces. The inspection committee found that the main accused did not have a written decision appointing him to the fuel distribution service, which violates military instructions. The incident erupted after a fire broke out in a garage in Sidi Wassay area, confirming the need to control fuel distribution in military centers. The investigating judge remanded those accused in military prison in Salé, with one exception who was released. This incident reflects deep-rooted problems associated with corruption within military institutions, necessitating strict investigations and radical reforms to ensure transparency and accountability.

Al-Ahdath Al-Maghribia: Shortage of 'Alfacalcidol' Drug: Ministry of Health Reveals Measures Taken

Patients with chronic kidney failure in Morocco are facing a severe crisis due to the disappearance of "Alfacalcidol" from pharmacies, which is essential for maintaining calcium levels in these patients, especially those undergoing dialysis sessions. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has responded to this crisis; the Directorate of Drugs and Pharmacy confirmed that shortages are due to global supply issues and indicated that steps have been taken to address this situation. The ministry clarified that there is close monitoring of drug supply, with expectations for new shipments arriving soon, providing some hope for patients. This issue is part of a broader series of shortages affecting vital drugs in Morocco, exacerbating suffering for patients reliant on treatments for chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Continued Search and Rescue Operations After Bus Accident Swept Away by Floods in Tata

Intensive efforts continue to search for missing individuals following an accident where a passenger bus was swept away by floods in Tata region. The accident occurred on Friday after heavy thunderstorms resulted in two fatalities and 13 rescues while 14 people remain missing. Unprecedented floods raised water levels significantly; for instance, Tata Wadi reached 2,300 cubic meters per second, causing substantial material losses including house collapses and road interruptions. Authorities are mobilizing all logistical and human resources to reopen roads and provide support to affected citizens.

Moroccan Security Leadership: Hammouchi Enhances International Cooperation

The Director-General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdel Latif Hammouchi, continues to bolster Morocco's position as a global security force through international engagements. His multiple visits to world capitals, including Turkey, highlight Morocco's significant role in supporting security and combating crime. During his recent visit to Turkey at their invitation, Hammouchi participated in an International Security Exhibition and held meetings with Turkish officials aimed at enhancing security cooperation and expertise exchange. These visits confirm Morocco's advanced security experience has garnered international attention and praise from global officials.

Moroccan Sahara Majority Parties Condemn Illegal Migration

The majority government parties in Morocco condemned attempts at collective illegal migration, especially by youth and minors towards occupied Ceuta city, accusing unknown parties of misleading young people and disrupting national development efforts. They praised Moroccan authorities' "exceptional" efforts to thwart these operations while respecting law enforcement principles ensuring security and stability. They also urged government action against negative social media influences encouraging migration while demanding accelerated employment opportunities for youth.

Parliamentary Meeting Supporting King Mohammed VI's Initiative

The Parliamentary Action Committee on King Mohammed VI's initiative facilitating Sahel countries' access to the Atlantic Ocean convened its third meeting at African Parliament headquarters in Midrand, South Africa. Moroccan parliamentary advisor Hanaa Benkhier participated alongside discussions on continental action plans supporting this initiative. Additionally, Benkhier engaged in discussions concerning peace and security issues across Africa as well as children's rights and natural resource governance while presenting Morocco's preparations for upcoming sports events like the 2025 African Nations Cup.

New Gains for Users of National Office for Vocational Training

The National University of Vocational Training, affiliated with Moroccan Union of Labor, announced new amendments resulting in a general salary increase by 1,000 dirhams net. This increase will be paid in two installments: 500 dirhams effective July 1, 2024,... followed by another installment on July 1, 2025. This step responds to correspondences sent to both Sector Minister and Finance Minister while acknowledging continuous struggles defending Office users' rights. Furthermore, Article 18 amendments aim at enhancing financial conditions amid rising living costs while increasing internal promotion quotas.

Al-Alam: Wave of Migration Towards Ceuta Ignites Debate in Spain

The recent wave from Fnideq towards occupied Ceuta has ignited extensive debate within Spanish political circles particularly among right-wing parties like Vox party, who criticized Morocco's government demanding expulsion measures against illegal immigrants while tightening actions against organizations allegedly promoting migration. Conversely, Spanish government officials praised Morocco's cooperation combating illegal migration; Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares rejected Vox's demands affirming such cooperation prevented thousands from entering Spain illegally.

Al-Ittihad Al-Ishtiraki: Raja & Renaissance Berkane Shine

Raja Sporting Club qualified for African Champions League group stage after defeating Smartex Ghana (2-0) during their return match held in Casablanca. Despite Raja's dominance throughout match play requiring fans’ patience until Marwan Zila scored first goal at minute 41; Noufel Zerhouni added second goal at minute 88 confirming qualification after drawing first leg (2-2) in Accra. In African Confederation Cup competition Renaissance Berkane secured group stage placement following a decisive win over FC Dadji (5-0).

New French Government Led by Michel Barnier Announced

Secretary-General Alexis Kohler announced formation Saturday evening regarding new French government led by Michel Barnier comprising several ministers retaining previous positions from Atal administration including Culture Minister Rachida Dati & Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu alongside new appointments such as Bruno Retailleau (Interior), Didier Migaud (Justice), Jean Noel Barrot (Europe & Foreign Affairs). Analysts noted this cabinet leans heavily rightward while incorporating some centrist figures along with left representation via Justice Minister.

Bayan Al-Youm: AstraZeneca Opens New Office Celebrating 25th Anniversary

AstraZeneca opened its new office located within Casablanca’s CFC financial city celebrating its 25th anniversary on September 19 attended by notable figures honoring achievements over two decades alongside future ambitions within Moroccan market & North Africa region emphasized by Rami Skandar (President). AstraZeneca launched initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer patient care across Africa including “Cancer Care” program collaborating with La Salma Foundation targeting improved healthcare access for approximately 35 thousand patients residing within Morocco.

National Company for Radio & Television Faces Protests

National Association representing users intends organizing protests outside company headquarters coinciding World News Day September 28 protesting ongoing violations against rights/freedoms reported by National Office Democratic Organization indicating professional conditions have reached critical levels necessitating effective dialogue achieving social peace ensuring institutional stability amid administration’s disregard towards worker rights.

Axa Services Morocco Opens New Center

Axa Services Morocco specializing customer relationship management opened its new center Kenitra last Friday attended by Industry & Trade Minister Riad Mezour aiming expand human resources base attracting local talents improving user quality-of-life reducing travel times equipped solar panels reducing energy consumption by 20% enhancing environmental commitments creating over 1400 job opportunities by 2026 reflecting sustainable development commitment emphasized by Minister Mezour affirming global companies’ confidence towards Morocco.

Morocco Ranks 55th Globally for Education Classification

Morocco made slight progress ranking globally at position 55 among best education systems according US News Network report maintaining leadership North African countries according survey conducted involving over seventeen thousand participants assessing educational system developments across covered nations highlighting UAE topping regional rankings (28th globally) followed closely Saudi Arabia (32), Qatar (33), Egypt (41) while outperforming Jordan (58), Oman (60), Kuwait (62), Bahrain (66), Tunisia (74), Algeria (75), Lebanon (78).

Al-Haraka: Expectations Rise for New Interest Rate Cuts from Bank Al-Maghrib

Investors anticipate easing monetary policy during upcoming third quarterly meeting Bank Al-Maghrib scheduled next Tuesday following unexpected interest rate reduction downwards towards 2.75% last June according opinion poll conducted Center Commercial Research indicating potential cut probability reaching eighty-three percent among key investors amidst declining inflationary pressures believed supportive necessary economic assistance especially agricultural sector energy market fluctuations where eighty-five percent local investors alongside hundred percent foreign counterparts advocate rate cuts despite BMCI Capital Global Research predicting maintenance current monetary policies monitoring subsidy impacts butane gas inflation effects.

Al-Massae: Seizure Operation Targets Adulterated Olive Oil

Security agents seized approximately one ton adulterated olive oil loaded onto cargo vehicle last Saturday village Aba Mohammed Taounate region resulting routine monitoring where driver exhibited confusion questioned regarding source destination quantity leading initial investigation revealing carried oil not natural but mixture vegetable oils “fitor” material deriving olive pressing process leading driver custody under public prosecutor’s instructions conducting comprehensive case investigation sample sent National Office Food Safety analysis verification contents.