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Moroccan lawmakers approve bill to reorganize the National press council
Morocco's House of Representatives has taken a significant step in reforming the country’s media regulation framework by adopting a draft bill to reorganize the National Press Council (CNP). The bill was approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Culture, and Communication, with 18 votes in favor and 7 against.
The legislative session was marked by extensive discussion, with 249 proposed amendments reviewed. These covered a broad range of issues, from the Council’s general mandate to its administrative and financial structure, as well as the selection process for journalists and publishers who will sit on the Council.
One key point of contention was the appointment of publishers to the Council. Opposition parties argued for an electoral system rather than appointments, citing the need to preserve the democratic nature and independence of the body. However, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, defended the current model, saying that the choice reflects the specific roles of journalists and publishers, and that appointment based on consensus remains a legitimate form of representation.
Out of the 249 amendments proposed, 45 were adopted, including the removal of a controversial sanction that would have allowed for the suspension of print or online publications for up to 30 days. This change was welcomed by majority parties as a move aligned with Morocco’s commitments to press freedom.
Other widely supported changes included Article 68 on mediation, setting a three-month limit for mediation processes, and Article 82, which clarifies the conditions under which a complaint can be sent directly to the ethics and disciplinary committee.
Minister Bensaid praised the inclusive approach taken in drafting the bill and emphasized the importance of ensuring the continuity of the National Press Council’s work, particularly in light of previous difficulties in holding professional elections within legal deadlines.
