Moroccan opposition criticizes government's promotional video as electoral exploitation
In a written question submitted to parliament, the MP argued that the video raises concerns about its deliberate and misleading fusion of an institutional video meant to serve public interest with promotional advertising. Hamouni pointed out that the video includes references to national symbols and common national values, but in a context designed to sway public opinion in favor of the current government's continuation in the upcoming elections. He stated, «The video implicitly urges the audience to endorse the idea of the government's continuation, essentially winning the upcoming elections, under the guise of aspiring to lead a 2030 World Cup government».
The MP argued that the video does not align with the values and principles that the public audiovisual sector is meant to uphold, including pluralism, neutrality, and objectivity, especially in the context of electoral competition. Hamouni also questioned whether the video complies with laws related to political advertising, including Law 77.03 on audiovisual communication, and the provisions on prohibited advertising and false claims that could mislead consumers.
Furthermore, Hamouni called for transparency regarding the funding for the production of this promotional video, stating, «The available data (which you can confirm or deny) suggests it was funded by public money». He demanded disclosure of the amounts paid, the parties involved in the production, and how well they align with the terms of the agreements. Hamouni emphasized that providing audiovisual materials with neutrality and objectivity is a duty of public institutions and should be free from any political or electoral exploitation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
11-08-2025
- Morocco World
Royal Decree Ends ‘World Cup Government' Race as New Foundation Takes Charge
Marrakech – A royal decree (dahir) has officially put an end to the political battle over who will lead Morocco's government during the 2030 World Cup. The announcement came after King Mohammed VI issued Decree No. 1.25.54, published in Official Gazette No. 7428 on August 7, which implements Law No. 35.25 establishing the 'Morocco 2030 Foundation' and granting its presidency to Fouzi Lekjaa, the budget minister and president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Political parties from both the majority and opposition have lost their contest to lead what had been dubbed the 'World Cup government,' regardless of who might win the 2026 legislative elections. The decree effectively ends the verbal sparring between party leaders and ministers who had expressed ambitions to top the election results with the goal of leading the World Cup government. According to the official text, the Morocco 2030 Foundation will cooperate with relevant administrations and bodies to prepare, organize, and enhance all international football events granted to Morocco by FIFA or the Confederation of African Football (CAF), up until the 2030 World Cup. The foundation is described as 'a public benefit institution, not aimed at making profit, with legal personality and financial independence,' according to the law. It is tasked with 'taking necessary measures to prepare and organize the aforementioned events, monitoring the implementation of related commitments, while providing support and accompaniment to the concerned regions and cities.' The executive council of the foundation will include, in addition to its president, representatives from the government authorities responsible for interior affairs, foreign affairs, budget, public enterprises, and territorial councils, or any other institution the council wishes to include. Among the executive council's powers will be evaluating the progress of projects related to international event preparations based on received reports and suggesting necessary measures when required. It will also monitor the implementation of state commitments linked to organizing these international events. The law stipulates that the executive council will determine the foundation's general activity guidelines, specifically 'planning necessary measures to prepare and organize international football events in Morocco, particularly the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and any major sporting event organized under FIFA or CAF supervision.' The legislation also establishes an advisory council serving as a space for dialogue and reflection. This council aims to mobilize all the country's vital forces through a participatory and inclusive approach to help create suitable conditions for successfully organizing these international football events. It will be chaired by the foundation's president and include representatives from the private sector, civil society, Moroccans living abroad, Moroccan football representatives, and African experts. A territorial management committee, chaired by the Minister of Interior, will be responsible for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of regional state commitments. This step shields projects from political and electoral exploitation Lekjaa, who serves as both budget minister and president of the Morocco 2030 Foundation, has previously advocated for the benefits Morocco will gain from hosting the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup. These include advanced infrastructure and development projects that will benefit all Moroccan citizens. He has responded to public demands that development not be limited to cities hosting the two historic sporting spectacles, affirming that benefits will extend to other cities as well. During a previous ministerial conference hosted by the National School of Administration (ENSA) in Rabat, the foundation's president explained that these projects are based on a coherent approach among all stakeholders for integrated development in sports, economic, and territorial domains. The investments in relevant sectors amount to approximately MAD 150 billion ($15 billion), covering major projects. Regarding transportation project financing, Lekjaa confirmed a partnership between public and private sectors, with annual state support of MAD 1.6 billion ($160 million) until 2030. This will ensure the development of high-speed trains and regional lines connecting Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, as well as the southern provinces, to strengthen territorial and economic integration. Concerning financial arrangements, the Morocco 2030 Foundation president stated that they were designed not to burden the general budget, through an innovative concept based on partnership with the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) and the National Company for Construction and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES), allowing cost recovery over twenty years. Both the majority and opposition parliamentary groups announced their full support for Lekjaa's presidency of the Morocco 2030 Foundation just days before the end of the spring session. They pointed out that this step distances ongoing projects from political and electoral exploitation, rising above narrow calculations and the rhetoric about who will lead the 'World Cup government,' warning against turning this description into what local media have portrayed as an 'electoral apocalypse.' With the countdown to Morocco's hosting of major international football events now officially underway, the establishment of this foundation marks a significant shift in how preparations will be managed, placing them under specialized institutional oversight rather than within the regular political contest. Read also: Morocco's 2030 World Cup: A Green Hydrogen Game-Changer Tags: 2030 World CupMoroccan Elections
Morocco World
31-07-2025
- Morocco World
Baroness Chapman: UK Support for Autonomy Plan Is a ‘Key Moment' in Rabat-London Ties
She recalled British Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Morocco, saying that the trip 'was marked by a key moment, namely the UK's support for Morocco's autonomy proposal.' During the visit, Lammy conveyed his country's newfound position on Western Sahara, recognizing the autonomy initiative as the most credible and pragmatic basis for achieving a lasting solution to the dispute. Baroness Chapman made her remarks in a speech delivered on behalf of the UK government at a reception hosted by the Moroccan Embassy in London to mark the Throne Day. Baroness Chapman, who also oversees relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized that Lammy's visit, held as part of the Strategic Dialogue, 'opened a new chapter in our relationship, reflecting our shared commitment to further strengthen our partnership.' She welcomed the signing of new agreements that expand economic opportunities for both countries, highlighting the UK's support for Morocco's ambitious infrastructure projects in preparation for hosting the 2030 World Cup. Morocco and the UK are looking ahead together, with the aim of tackling common challenges and seizing new opportunities, she added, noting that the partnership continues to deepen, with London and Rabat 'firmly focused' on building a safer and more prosperous future for both peoples. 'Our two countries enjoy one of the strongest partnerships and one of the oldest diplomatic relations in the world, dating back more than 800 years,' she said, stressing that this partnership continues to grow under the leadership of His Majesty the King 'as we work together to develop our economies, promote regional stability, and strengthen global security.' Baroness Chapman also stressed 'the crucial role' played by the Moroccan community in the UK, contributing to the enrichment of British culture and economy and helping build 'our shared future.' She also said that the celebration of Throne Day is 'a reminder of these enduring ties and the values' shared by Morocco and the United Kingdom, extending, on behalf of the British Government, warm congratulations to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people. The reception, held in a grand London palace, was attended by numerous prominent figures, including Lord Coaker, Minister of State for Defense, and Ben Coleman, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Morocco and West Africa. MWN with MAP
Ya Biladi
29-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco plans special penal code for 2030 World Cup stadiums
The Moroccan government is crafting a «special penal code for the 2030 World Cup», revealed Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi during an interview with Med Radio. This new legislation will mainly address regulations concerning stadiums and their immediate environments. «We are considering establishing courts directly within the stadiums», Ouahbi clarified. In cases of misconduct by spectators that do not amount to a crime but still necessitate intervention, «we could order their immediate expulsion from the national territory. Detaining them is not an option, as we lack information about their health status and cannot anticipate their reaction to incarceration. Any incident in prison could potentially damage the World Cup's reputation», he explained. «This is why we are diligently working on this matter, in alignment with FIFA's standards», the minister stressed. For the record, FIFA inaugurated an office in Rabat last week as part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
