Moroccan Federation of newspaper editors criticizes government over press council and support issues

On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Executive Office of the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers convened its regular meeting to address the latest sector developments and the status of newspaper enterprises, alongside pertinent government decisions. In its statement, the Federation highlighted that the temporary committee overseeing press affairs had surpassed its legal mandate in the first week of October, deeming its continued operation a blatant breach of the law. The Federation urged the government to take immediate action to halt the committee's activities and seek a lawful resolution to renew the National Press Council.

The Federation issued a strong rebuke to the government and the Minister of Communication for their persistence in advancing a draft law to reorganize the National Press Council, despite objections from both the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the National Human Rights Council. The Federation perceived this move as a regression in democratic progress and a blow to Morocco's international human rights reputation.

Additionally, the Federation voiced its discontent with the ministry's mishandling of the public support file for the press, highlighting delays in disbursing lump-sum support and the exclusion of regional and small enterprises due to the continued reliance on exceptional mechanisms from the pandemic era. The Federation pointed out the lack of a vision to establish a fair and transparent system.

In a related issue, the Federation cautioned against a new tactic in accrediting journalists for sports events, following unwarranted interference by a newly formed association, which disrupted the process. The Federation affirmed its support for sports journalism associations and called for transparency and equal opportunities.

The Executive Office wrapped up its meeting by approving a program of training and outreach activities and setting the dates for the general assemblies of the regional branches, with the regular session of the Federal National Council slated for next November.