In Morocco, striking lawyers invite themselves into the legislative campaign

The ongoing strike by Moroccan lawyers, which has already spanned over one hundred days in 2026, represents a significant challenge to the government's legal reform agenda and has now become an unexpected factor in the legislative election campaign. The core of the dispute revolves around Law 66.23, a legislative text aimed at reorganizing the legal profession. Initially, the government attempted to de-escalate tensions by promising a review of the draft law earlier in the year. However, the subsequent adoption of the contested legislation in August reignited and intensified the lawyers' protest, pushing them to adopt a more confrontational stance.

Law 66.23

The contentious Law 66.23 seeks to introduce substantial changes to the practice of legal professions in Morocco. Lawyers are particularly vocal in their opposition to several key provisions within this new framework. Among the most significant concerns are the proposed dematerialization of legal procedures, which implies a shift towards digital processes, and the implementation of stricter conditions for entry into the legal profession. These changes are perceived by many lawyers as potentially undermining traditional practices, increasing bureaucratic hurdles, or limiting access to the profession.

The government's stated aim for Law 66.23 is likely to modernize the legal system, enhance efficiency, and ensure higher standards for legal practitioners. However, the legal community views these reforms with skepticism, fearing that they may not adequately address the practical realities of their work or could inadvertently create new obstacles. The resistance highlights a fundamental disagreement over the direction and implementation of legal sector reforms.

August Adoption

The adoption of Law 66.23 in August marked a critical turning point in the dispute. Prior to this, there had been a period of relative calm, with the government's earlier promise to re-examine the draft law offering a glimmer of hope for a negotiated resolution. However, the decision to proceed with the law's adoption without, from the lawyers' perspective, adequately addressing their concerns, was seen as a betrayal of trust and a disregard for their professional input.

This move by the government effectively hardened the stance of the striking lawyers, transforming their protest from a series of intermittent actions into a sustained and more politically charged movement. The adoption signaled a firm governmental resolve to push through the reforms, which in turn galvanized the opposition within the legal fraternity, leading to a renewed and more determined phase of industrial action. The timing, just ahead of legislative elections, amplified the political stakes.

Legislative Campaign

With the legislative elections underway, the striking lawyers have strategically positioned their grievances to influence the political discourse. By maintaining their strike and public demonstrations, such as the one held in Rabat on February 6, 2026, they are forcing political parties and candidates to acknowledge and potentially take a stance on the controversial legal reforms. This tactic aims to elevate the issue beyond a professional dispute into a matter of public and electoral concern.

The lawyers' objective is to ensure that the incoming legislature is compelled to revisit Law 66.23, either through amendments or a complete overhaul. Their sustained action during the campaign period puts pressure on candidates to articulate their positions on legal reform and potentially promise concessions to gain electoral support. This integration of a professional dispute into the broader political campaign underscores the significant leverage that organized professional bodies can exert in a democratic process, especially when their concerns resonate with wider issues of governance and justice.