Rabat– Morocco’s adouls have announced a new escalation in their protest movement, declaring a nationwide, open-ended strike starting April 13, 2026, amid an ongoing standoff with public authorities over draft law No. 16.22 regulating the profession.
In a statement on Friday, the National Authority representing the profession confirmed a complete suspension of services across the country for an indefinite period. The move marks a significant turning point in a dispute that has been intensifying for weeks, as tensions grow over the government’s proposed legal framework.
The decision follows a series of coordinated protest actions. An initial two-day strike on February 18 and 19 reportedly saw strong participation, according to the Authority. This was followed by a broader nationwide strike from March 2 to 10, then extended further between March 18 and April 5.
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The mobilization also included a symbolic protest outside Parliament in early April, drawing large numbers of participants and signaling mounting frustration within the profession.
While highlighting what it described as the success and unity demonstrated throughout these actions, the Authority pointed to a breakdown in dialogue with the government as the main driver behind the latest escalation. It criticized the lack of meaningful consultation on the draft law, as well as the dismissal of proposals and amendments put forward by professionals. The organization reiterated its firm rejection of the bill in its current form.
In addition to the open-ended strike, adouls plan to stage a national sit-in outside Parliament on April 13, aiming to pressure authorities into reopening discussions. The Authority has called for what it describes as a “serious, responsible, and productive” dialogue to resolve the impasse.
As key figures in the authentication of legal documents and the protection of transactional security, adouls argue that the proposed reform fails to reflect the realities of their work. They insist that any overhaul of such a sensitive sector should be developed through a participatory approach that preserves the balance of the legal system.
So far, the government has not issued an official response to this latest phase of mobilization. Meanwhile, the ongoing deadlock is already having tangible consequences for citizens, as the suspension of services disrupts a wide range of administrative and legal procedures. While acknowledging the impact, the Authority places responsibility on public authorities, arguing that the absence of compromise has made this escalation unavoidable.
