Examination of controversial bill 026.25 on National Press Council postponed

The Chamber of Advisors has postponed the examination of the controversial Bill No. 026.25, which seeks to reorganize the National Press Council (CNP). Originally scheduled for discussion during Wednesday’s meeting of the Committee on Education and Cultural and Social Affairs, the bill will now be examined on December 25, following a request from opposition groups.

The postponement was requested by the Popular Movement (MP), the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), as well as two parliamentary advisors. The governing majority parties agreed to the request.

Under pressure from the Istiqlal Party, these groups argued that the current context is not conducive to adopting a bill that has faced strong resistance from media professionals. They also pointed to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Provisional Commission in charge of press and publishing affairs, which they say further complicates the passage of such a sensitive piece of legislation.

Bill No. 026.25 was approved by the House of Representatives on July 22, with 87 votes in favor, 25 against, and no abstentions. The government, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, holds a comfortable majority in the Chamber of Advisors, which, in theory, should allow the bill to be adopted despite the current delays.