The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers (FMEJ) has once again voiced its disapproval of what it describes as the government's «unilateral» approach in developing the law concerning the National Press Council (CNP), citing a lack of dialogue and consultation. In a statement issued Monday, the organization criticized the executive branch for disregarding «the general position expressed by the professional body, as well as the majority of human rights organizations, trade unions, and political parties» regarding the law recently adopted by the House of Representatives. In this context, the FMEJ expressed hope that the advisory opinions of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE), along with the upcoming review and vote in the House of Councillors, would serve as an opportunity to uphold constitutional principles, democratic values, and ethical standards. The federation also commended the «democratic stance expressed by five former Ministers of Communication from various governments», as well as similar positions taken by political parties, trade unions, human rights organizations, and academics. The FMEJ welcomed the emergence of a coordinated movement uniting professional organizations, including itself and civil society groups, to oppose the government's CNP legislation. It further noted the «clear convergence» between its positions and those of the National Federation of Journalism, Information, and Communication (FENAJIC), affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), as well as the National Union of Moroccan Press (SNPM). The federation also expressed satisfaction with its collaboration with the Democratic Labor Confederation (CDT), the support of the Union of Small Press Enterprises (UPEP), and its joint initiatives with the Moroccan Media Federation (FMM). In this spirit, the FMEJ called on all professional organizations to unite and mobilize against fragmentation within the sector.
