Adouls Declare 19-Day Strike Over Legislative Concerns
The National Council of Adouls has officially announced an extensive 19-day strike, halting all professional services throughout Morocco from March 18 to April 5. This action signifies a major breakdown in negotiations between these traditional legal professionals and the Ministry of Justice regarding the contentious Bill 16.22, which aims to regulate their profession. The Council has expressed profound frustration, pointing to a "total lack of response" from public authorities despite numerous grievances submitted to both the Head of Government and the Ministry of Justice. They argue that their demands have consistently been disregarded.
The role of Adouls is critical within Morocco's legal framework, as they are responsible for authenticating various legal acts and facilitating civil transactions. However, the Council asserts that the current iteration of the bill, which has recently been approved by the House of Councillors, does not honor the "historical specificities" of their duties. The ongoing standoff revolves around several pivotal issues that the Council believes are vital for both the modernization and the dignified recognition of their profession.
This strike follows a series of successful industrial actions earlier in the year, including a two-day strike in February and an eight-day walkout from March 2 to March 10. The high participation rates in these protests indicate a "widespread disapproval" of the government's current approach. The impending strike is anticipated to cause significant delays in civil and commercial proceedings nationwide, given the Adouls' essential role in matters such as marriage contracts, inheritance, and real estate transactions.
The National Council of Adouls emphasizes that their objective is not to obstruct progress but rather to foster a consensus that modernizes the legal framework while safeguarding their traditional rights. They caution that without an open dialogue from the Head of Government’s office, the path toward meaningful reform remains obstructed by legislation that disregards the insights and contributions of the profession.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
