Morocco withdraws draft decree law as new press council reform advances

The Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, has announced the withdrawal of draft decree-law 2.26.135. During a press conference on Thursday in Rabat, he confirmed that this proposal was retracted at the request of the overseeing department, with the approval of the head of government. The draft had aimed to establish an administrative commission to oversee the press and publishing sector.

The minister explained that the government discussions centered on the necessity of ensuring the continuity of public administration services via the National Press Council (CNP), particularly since the term of the provisional commission is set to conclude in October 2025, with no plans for renewal. The primary objective is to expedite the issuance of press cards and manage personnel within the next four to six months.

After evaluating various options, it was determined that maintaining administrative services does not rely on «any decree or special commission». In this context, Bensaid assured that the press card for 2025 and the railway transport card will remain valid.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the approval of draft law 09.26 concerning the reorganization of the CNP, which was endorsed this Thursday in the government council after certain articles, previously deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, were amended. The revised version will now proceed through the legislative process, he announced.

According to the minister, the draft law will be re-evaluated by Parliament, aiming for its adoption by May, to establish the new CNP by the summer. For Bensaid, the priority is to implement a reform built on consensus, recognizing the sector's significance as a «semi-public service» and a «fourth power» that plays a vital role in the nation's democratic development.