🇲🇦 Hespress
Morocco · AR · https://www.hespress.com
About Hespress
Hespress was founded in 2007 by brothers Hassan Guennouni and Mohamed El Amin El Guennouni, who remain the sole owners of its editing company, MarocAds. MarocAds is a limited company with a capital of $300,000, and Hespress generates revenue primarily through advertising.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) indicates that the Moroccan government has tightened control over the media sector, with independent journalists facing significant pressure and a powerful propaganda machine serving the government's agenda. Freedom House reports that critical journalists are often subject to harassment or criminal proceedings, particularly when covering the monarchy, Western Sahara, or Islam. While Hespress was initially known for hosting critical content, including on the monarchy, a study suggests its editorial line may have shifted over time. Hespress has also published articles defending Moroccan institutions against perceived biased foreign media coverage. The outlet is one of the most popular news websites in Morocco and received an award for best news platform in the Arab world in 2023.
Reading context
Outlets in Morocco often work under tighter political or legal limits than in countries ranked as fully free for press. We keep each headline's original tone on purpose, so you can see how stories are usually framed for domestic readers.
Hormuz Closure Escalates Jet Fuel Shortage Risks in Europe and Asia
- Asian and European countries face risks of jet fuel shortages due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially impacting air travel. - Experts warn of a structural crisis in jet fuel …
Morocco updates health worker compensation for on-call and mandatory services
- Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection has issued a decree updating regulations for on-call and mandatory service compensation for health sector employees. - The new decree, published in…
France Intensifies Efforts to Assess MINURSO Performance Ahead of Security Council Meetings
- A high-level French diplomatic delegation is conducting a field visit to Morocco's southern provinces to assess the performance of the MINURSO mission. - The delegation met with local officials and …
Morocco Study Reveals Daylight Saving Time Drastically Reduces Student Attention
- A study by the National Union of Consumer Protection Associations in Morocco reveals significant negative impacts of the extended daylight saving time system. - 66.6% of teachers report a decline in…
Internal Affairs Reports Uncover Administrative Manipulation in Moroccan Housing Projects
- Reports from the Ministry of Interior's internal affairs departments reveal administrative manipulation in housing projects across Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hocei…
Aziza Hallak's "I Write to Remain" Offers Reflections on Memory and Identity
- Moroccan writer and media personality Aziza Hallak has released a new literary work titled "I Write to Remain." - The book blends autobiography with intellectual reflections, revisiting individual a…
Fuel Pricing in Morocco Sparks Debate on Competition and Corporate Response
- Morocco's Competition Council has raised concerns about the semi-monthly pricing of fuel, suggesting it may hinder competition and the reflection of international price fluctuations. - Experts belie…
Cosumar Highlights Strategic Role in Moroccan Agriculture and Food Security at SIAM
- Cosumar reaffirmed its central role in Morocco's agricultural sector at the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM). - The company highlighted its strategic importance in strengtheni…
Moroccan Tax Authorities Investigate Suspected Evasion Using Bank Data
- Moroccan tax authorities are investigating individuals suspected of tax evasion amounting to billions of centimes by scrutinizing bank account details. - Tax inspectors are using the
Moroccan Parliament Demands Answers on Fuel Prices Amid Middle East Tensions
- Moroccan lawmakers are demanding answers from the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development regarding the impact of Middle East tensions on national energy security and fuel prices. …
Royal Academy of Morocco Celebrates Ahmed Essyad's Music, Bridging Dissonance and Harmony
- The Royal Academy of Morocco's Institute of Artistic Studies in Rabat hosted a concert celebrating the music of contemporary composer Ahmed Essyad. - The event featured a French ensemble and soprano…
EU and Morocco Expand Partnership to New Sectors, Including Renewables and Digitalization
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the EU and Morocco are expanding their cooperation into new sectors like digitalization, renewable energy, and innovation. - Kallas stated that the…
Libya Bets on Morocco to Empower Fakhri for African Parliament Presidency
- Libya is backing Youssef Fakhri, a member of the House of Representatives, for the presidency of the Pan-African Parliament. - Libya is seeking support, particularly from Morocco, to secure this con…
Morocco Implements Checks to Boost Livestock Herd Through Breeder Compliance
- Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture is conducting checks to ensure livestock breeders are retaining female sheep and goats for breeding. - This initiative is part of a national program to rebuild the …
Alaj Reviews Overall Achievements and Backs Tazi's Candidacy for 'Patronat' Presidency
- Chakib Alaj, president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), announced his support for his deputy Mehdi Tazi's candidacy for the "Patronat" presidency. - Alaj reviewed his ter…
Moroccan Hospitals and Schools Face Protests Amidst Allegations of Mismanagement and Harassment
- Healthcare workers at the Hassan II Regional Hospital in Agadir are planning escalating protests, including an open sit-in, due to alleged abuses of power and mismanagement by the hospital's chief p…
Akhannouch: Criticisms ignore 'exceptional circumstances'; we will reach one million jobs
- Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch defended the government's record, stating that criticisms ignore the "exceptional circumstances" under which it has operated. - He highlighted major initiativ…
Moroccan Professionals Link Tomato Price Hikes to Climate Damage, Defend Exports
- Moroccan tomato prices have surged due to exceptional weather conditions in the Souss region, which damaged crops and reduced supply. - Industry professionals attribute the price hike to climate imp…
Expert: Morocco's Daylight Saving Time is a Sovereign Decision Serving Economic Interests
- An economic expert stated that Morocco's adoption of daylight saving time is a sovereign decision serving the country's higher interests. - He argued that aligning with European time benefits Morocc…
Moroccan labor union calls for 'anger' on May Day
- The Democratic Confederation of Labour (CDT) in Morocco calls for May Day protests to express anger over wages, pensions, and income tax. - The union demands the implementation of signed agreements,…
Moroccan Law Proposal Seeks to Block Under-13s from Gaming Platforms
- A proposed law in Morocco aims to prevent children under 13 from creating online gaming accounts. - Teenagers aged 13-18 would be subject to mandatory parental supervision under the legislation. - T…
Morocco to Launch Unified Electronic Cards for Taxi Drivers
- Morocco's Ministry of Interior plans to replace old taxi permits with unified smart electronic cards valid for five years. - New regulations will restrict taxi operation to professionals, prevent no…
"The Wife of the Three Kings" in a New Edition
- The third edition of Moroccan author Mustafa Lagtiri's novel "The Wife of the Three Kings" has been released by Dar Al-Khiam Publishing and Distribution. - The novel centers on Zaynab An-Nafzawiyyah…
Morocco to Standardize Seniority Credit for All University Professors
- Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education is preparing a decree to extend a nine-year seniority credit for all university professors. - This credit, currently applied to medical and pharmacy faculty, w…
Weekly Market Rentals Under Investigation Amid Contract Violations
- Moroccan authorities are investigating irregularities in the rental of weekly markets, particularly concerning contract violations by local authorities and specialized companies. - Investigations fo…
Morocco Upholds Sentences for Senegalese Fans Amidst Africa Cup Final Riots
- Moroccan appeals court upholds initial prison sentences for 18 Senegalese fans involved in riots during the Morocco-Senegal Africa Cup of Nations final. - Experts view the ruling as a victory for co…
The Moroccan Sahara Issue Occupies the Reception of "Pope Leo" in the Algerian Capital
- Algeria included a Polisario Front representative in the official reception for Pope Francis, sparking controversy. - The move is seen as an attempt to legitimize the separatist group on an internat…
Moroccan petition calls for capping fuel prices and a sliding tax
- Moroccan activists have launched a national petition demanding a cap on fuel prices at 10 dirhams per liter. - The petition calls for a government decree to set a maximum retail price and implement …
Moroccan-Origin Individuals Form Significant Minority Among Israel's Holocaust Survivors
- A recent Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics report reveals that 16.9% of Holocaust survivors in Israel are of Moroccan origin. - European-origin survivors constitute the largest group at 60%, foll…
Book Fair Celebrates Ibn Battuta, Hosts France, Welcomes Nobel Laureate
- The Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair will celebrate the renowned traveler Ibn Battuta and host France as the guest of honor. - This edition coincides with UNESCO's declaration of Rabat a…
Rapid Weight Gain' via Social Media: Digital Deception Threatens Women's Health
- Moroccan authorities have arrested a woman suspected of promoting dangerous pharmaceutical products for rapid weight gain via social media. - The Moroccan agency for medicine and health products war…
Moroccan Consumers Fear New Fuel Price Hikes Amid Global Tensions
- Moroccan consumers fear a new increase in fuel prices as the semi-monthly adjustment approaches. - Experts anticipate new price hikes due to the complex situation in the Strait of Hormuz, while cons…
Moroccan critics celebrate director Nour-Eddine Lakhmari's cinematic work
- Moroccan film critics have released a collective book celebrating the work of director Nour-Eddine Lakhmari. - The book, titled "Nour-Eddine Lakhmari: Technical Stakes and Aesthetics of Realism," an…
UGTM Crisis Highlights Deeper Issues in Moroccan Labor Unions
- The Moroccan General Union of Labor (UGTM) is facing an organizational crisis, highlighting broader issues within the country's labor unions. - Experts point to the dominance of party interests over…
Zakoura Foundation Discusses the Future of Education
- Zakoura Foundation is hosting an international forum on "Education and Artificial Intelligence: Technological Innovation with Social Responsibility." - The forum will bring together experts, researc…
Morocco Investigates Irregularities in Temporary Worker Compensation Amidst Election Concerns
- Moroccan authorities are investigating irregularities in the compensation of temporary workers within local authorities, prompted by opposition complaints. - Investigations revealed discrepancies in…
'Financial Constitution' of Morocco: The Missing Link in Implementing the Development Model
- Morocco's public finance system is urged to adopt a new "financial constitution" to align with its development model. - The article highlights the historical significance of April 14th as National P…
Spring Childhood Festival Highlights Diversity
- The "Spring Childhood Festival" was held at the Benjelloul Early Childhood Center in Khouribga, Morocco. - The festival celebrated Moroccan culture and diversity through children's traditional costu…
Libyan Official Accuses Dbeibah Government of Deliberately Cropping Moroccan Map
- A Libyan official accused the Dbeibah government of intentionally presenting a map of Morocco without its southern regions. - The incident occurred during a conference on military intelligence leade…
Moroccan Unions Accused of Neglecting Local Government Employees' Demands
- A Moroccan association has sent an urgent protest letter to two major labor unions, accusing them of marginalizing the demands of local government employees. - The association claims the unions are …
Union Bets on Wage Increases
- A Moroccan labor union met with the Minister of Economic Inclusion to discuss the agenda for upcoming social dialogue with the head of government. - Key demands include wage increases, reduced tax b…
The World Cup Brings Moroccans Together in New York
- The Moroccan Consulate General in New York organized a meeting to plan a unified Moroccan fan zone for the 2026 World Cup. - The initiative aims to showcase Moroccan culture and provide an organized…
Morocco's Autonomy for Western Sahara on the Table in an 'Updated Version'
- Morocco presented an updated, detailed version of its 2007 autonomy proposal for Western Sahara during recent negotiations in Madrid and Washington. - The initiative aims to provide a clearer framew…
PSV Therapist: Saibari is a 'Real Beast' Physically
- An Eredivisie club's physical therapist praised Moroccan player Ismail Saibari's exceptional physique, refuting claims of him being overweight. - The therapist described Saibari as a 'real beast' co…
King Congratulates Iraqi President on Election
- King Mohammed VI of Morocco congratulated Nechirvan Barzani on his election as President of Iraq. - The King expressed his best wishes for Barzani's success in leading Iraq toward progress and prosp…
Morocco: Gun, ammo seized at Marrakech airport; tax fraud network probed; migrant clash results in death
- Customs at Marrakech-Menara Airport seized a SIG SAUER P365 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition from the luggage of a US citizen. - Authorities in Fez-Meknes are investigating a tax evasion and fr…
An agreement that erases artisans' illiteracy
- An agreement has been signed aimed at eradicating illiteracy among artisans. - The initiative focuses on traditional crafts and the cultural industry. - Further details on the agreement's specifics …
FDT: Economic Pressures Burden Moroccan Workers
The Democratic Labor Federation (FDT) in Morocco has rejected the government's approach to pension reform, criticizing proposals to raise the retirement age, increase contributions, or reduce pensions…
Casablanca Demolishes 'Darb Al-Ramad' Amidst Heavy Security Presence
Casablanca authorities have initiated the demolition of homes and shops in the "Darb Al-Ramad" area of the old city, accompanied by a significant security deployment to prevent potential clashes. The …
Police Fire Warning Shot to Apprehend Aggressive Suspect in Settat
A police inspector in Settat, Morocco, discharged a warning shot to neutralize a suspect with a prior record who was intoxicated and aggressive, threatening officers with a knife. The suspect was appr…
Morocco launches preliminary probe into rice imports after surge
Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched an investigation into rice imports following a significant surge in arrivals, prompted by a request from two companies representing 78% of nationa…
China Denies Supplying Weapons to Iran, Calls Reports Baseless
China has dismissed reports alleging it supplied weapons to Iran as baseless fabrications. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China maintains a cautious and responsible…
