The scandal that has rocked the Provisional Commission overseeing press and publishing in Morocco for several weeks continues to fuel opposition attacks against the government, a tension that was on full display during Monday's session in the House of Representatives. Mohamed Ouzzine, Member of Parliament for the Popular Movement ‹ › On Monday, December 15, during a plenary session in Parliament, the Secretary-General of the Popular Movement (MP) launched a stinging criticism at what he called Morocco's «gutter press». Speaking directly in the presence of the head of government, Mohamed Ouzzine denounced the behavior of two media outlets, without naming them, accusing them of building their entire editorial line around «trivial content». He also expressed frustration that the owners of these outlets benefit from public funding. «These platforms are only interested in sensationalist gossip that undermines Moroccan values and culture. They ignore fundamental issues such as advanced regionalization, the Sahara autonomy plan, or social policy, yet they receive generous financial support», he said. Addressing Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch directly, Ouzzine urged him not to fear these media outlets. «If they criticize you, your popularity will only grow. Do you know why? Because they lack credibility, and Moroccans know that very well», he asserted. MP keeps the pressure on Akhannouch and the press Responding to the remarks, Akhannouch said «the government is not afraid of the press; it respects it». He stressed that «the Moroccan media landscape is diverse: some journalists support and cover the government's economic and social reforms, while others take a more critical stance. The government respects both». He added that the head of government «has no role to play in disputes between the opposition and certain media outlets». Ouzzine's comments form part of an ongoing offensive by the Popular Movement following revelations by journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui about alleged irregularities involving the Provisional Commission overseeing press and publishing affairs. On November 25, a parliamentary advisor questioned the head of government about these «immoral practices» and the «secrecy» surrounding a draft law meant to reorganize the National Press Council. He argued that the proposed legislation «does not respect the democratic principles of professional representation». The bill passed its first reading on July 22 with 87 votes in favor, 25 against, and no abstentions. Given the government's solid majority in the House of Councillors, its final adoption appears assured.
