Restructuring the National Press Council Sparks Controversy in Parliament
A meeting of the Committee on Education, Culture, and Communication in the House of Representatives yesterday witnessed extensive debate over the provisions of Bill No. 26.25, concerning the National Press Council.
The meeting showcased a clear divergence of opinions between the majority and opposition parties. The parliamentary majority argued that this bill marks a significant step towards organizing the profession of journalism and ensuring its independence and transparency. Conversely, the opposition raised numerous points of contention, deeming some of the bill’s clauses detrimental to plurality and a threat to the independence of the press.
Present at the parliamentary session was Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, who reaffirmed that the preparation of this bill was based on a participatory approach that included all stakeholders, with the ministry focusing solely on the legal drafting based on the recommendations made by the interim committee. The majority coalition, led by the National Rally of Independents, emphasized the project’s importance, asserting that the text grants the National Press Council broad powers, while upholding professional ethics and ensuring complete freedom for journalists.
On the other hand, the Socialist Union team pointed out concerns regarding the appointment of a government representative within the council, which they claimed threatens its independence according to the opposition. Meanwhile, the Progress and Socialism team underscored the necessity of providing guarantees to create contracts that protect those working in the media sector.
Additionally, the National Union of Information and Journalism expressed its outright rejection of this bill, characterizing its drafting and preparation as unilateral, and called for the bill to be withdrawn and not presented to parliament.
