What's happened
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has promised to personally oversee a controversial legal reform bill after protests from lawyers. The bill, aimed at modernising the sector and fighting corruption, faced opposition over its disciplinary powers. The government has paused the bill's progress in parliament amid ongoing protests and negotiations.
What's behind the headline?
The Moroccan legal reform saga reveals a government caught between modernization and professional independence. The protests underscore the deep-rooted tension between authorities and legal practitioners, with lawyers fearing loss of autonomy. Akhannouch's intervention suggests a recognition that a participatory approach is necessary to pass reforms. This pause may lead to a more inclusive process, but it also risks delaying much-needed sector updates. The government’s willingness to negotiate indicates that reforms will likely proceed, but with modifications to address lawyers' concerns. The outcome will shape Morocco’s legal landscape and its fight against corruption, with broader implications for judicial independence in the region.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has promised to take charge of the legal reform bill, aiming to involve officials and legal practitioners in a mixed commission. AFP highlights the protests and the controversy over courts' disciplinary powers. The opposition from lawyers and their strikes reflect fears over independence. The government’s recent pause and Akhannouch’s involvement suggest a potential compromise to move forward with the reforms while addressing professional concerns.
How we got here
The legislation was initiated by Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi to modernise Morocco's legal sector and combat corruption. It faced strong opposition from lawyers, who protested over provisions granting courts disciplinary powers over lawyers, threatening their independence. The government approved the bill in December but delayed its parliamentary vote amid protests and strikes.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Key Changes in Argentina's Labour Reform?
Argentina's recent labour reform has sparked widespread protests and political debate. Many are wondering what exactly has changed in the country's labour laws, why these reforms are so controversial, and how they might impact workers and unions. Below, we explore the main questions surrounding this significant legislative move and what it means for Argentina's future.
More on these topics
-
Javier Gerardo Milei is an Argentine libertarian economist, politician, author, radio conductor, preacher, public speaker and recently-elected federal deputy, sympathetic to the Austrian School of economic thought.
-
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the