Rabat – The Moroccan government approved today a draft law aimed at reorganizing the National Press Council (CNP), a move presented by the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
According to a statement from the Ministry Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament, and the government’s official spokesperson, Mustapha Baitas, the legislation seeks to align the council’s structure with constitutional directives on freedom of expression and the self-regulation of professions, particularly Articles 25, 27, and 28.
The reform is intended to ensure the continuity of the council’s role in overseeing journalistic ethics, promoting professional standards, and safeguarding the press in a democratic and independent framework.
The draft law also responds to the Constitutional Court’s Decision No. 261/26 issued on January 22, 2026, which struck down several provisions of a previous law concerning the CNP as unconstitutional. The new legislation is designed to address the court’s ruling while maintaining the council’s mandate to regulate the profession and uphold ethical standards.
Earlier this year, the government withdrew a separate draft decree-law, No. 2.26.135, which had proposed the creation of a special committee to manage the press and publishing sector. Officials said the withdrawal reflects a reassessment of the best approach to strengthening the media sector in accordance with constitutional guarantees.
The approval marks a significant step in Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize the legal framework governing journalism while preserving the independence and accountability of media institutions.
Collective lands reform
The Council reviewed and approved two draft decrees concerning collective lands (soulaliyate lands), presented by the Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit.
According to official information, the decrees are part of the implementation of the High Royal Instructions issued by King Mohammed VI on several occasions, calling for comprehensive reform of the collective lands system.
The initiatives further respond to royal calls for coordinated efforts to ensure the success of the process of transferring ownership of collective lands located within irrigated areas to eligible rights holders, while guaranteeing that such transfers are carried out free of charge.
High-level appointments
The council has also approved several high-level appointments during its weekly meeting, in accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution.
At the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Hicham Zakani was appointed Director of Information Systems Security Governance, announced the government spokesperson.
In the health sector, Fatima Zohra Mernissi has been named Director of the Hassan II University Hospital (CHU) in Fes. Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Jamal Eddine Benhayoun was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Tetouan.
The Council also approved Youssef Farid’s appointment as Director of Human and Financial Resources and General Affairs at the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights, the statement added.
These appointments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership across key public institutions and ensure the effective management of administrative, health, and academic sectors.
