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A broad coalition of unions and professional media organizations in Morocco is firmly rejecting the government’s proposed law to reorganize the National Press Council (CNP). Following several meetings held in Rabat between July 22 and 26, 2025, the main journalist, publisher, and civic media associations denounced the draft law as being contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and the principles of self-regulation in the media sector.
Convened at the initiative of the Moroccan National Press Syndicate (SNPM), the Maghreb Center for Communication Studies and Research, the Organization for Information and Expression Freedoms (HATIM), and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), participants expressed strong opposition to a proposal they describe as «a democratic setback and a direct threat to press freedom in Morocco».
An Attack on the Principle of Self-Regulation
At the center of the criticism are changes to the law governing the CNP. According to the signatories of the joint statement, the bill dangerously departs from constitutional principles guaranteeing freedom of expression, particularly Articles 24 to 28, as well as provisions related to citizen participation and the role of representative bodies (Articles 12, 13, and 33).
Opponents view the initiative as a political attempt to redefine the CNP’s governance model by weakening journalists’ representation, neutralizing their capacity for independent regulation, and transforming the institution into a tool of political control. «This project seeks to strip the body of its core functions and marginalize media professionals», lamented one of the movement’s initiators.
Hasty Adoption Without Consultation
Another key point of contention is the process used by the government. The bill was drafted without consultation and was then submitted to Parliament and passed in record time, the signatory organizations argue. They point out that the government had previously suspended CNP elections, halting its democratic renewal, before proposing a law that «revives an old system already ruled unconstitutional for being based on appointments rather than elections».
This approach is described as abrupt, undemocratic, and entirely disconnected from the expectations of the journalistic community and the Moroccan public.
Toward a Coalition for the Defense of Freedoms
In response, the signatories announced the formation of a unified resistance front bringing together journalist unions, publishers, human rights organizations, cultural associations, and prominent media figures. Their goal is to defend press freedom and prevent the adoption of legislation that would roll back democratic gains in communication and information.
«What’s at stake goes far beyond the professional realm. Press freedom is an issue that concerns all of Moroccan society», the initiators stressed. Collective actions, advocacy campaigns, and mobilization efforts are now being prepared.
Initial Signatories:
- Moroccan National Press Syndicate (SNPM)
- Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers
- National Federation of Press, Information, and Communication (UMT)
- National Syndicate of Media and Press (CDT)
- Moroccan Press Club
- Organization for Information and Expression Freedoms (HATIM)
- Forum of Honorary Journalists
- Moroccan Confederation of Press and Digital Media Publishers
- Union of Moroccan Journalists
- National Body of Press Publishers
