Baitas says Government remains open to dialogue with Moroccan lawyers over new tax model

Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas defended the 2023 Finance Bill during a press conference today, saying that although financial policy will not fix all of society’s ailments, it constitutes an important step toward a better life for all Moroccans.

During the press briefing subsequent to the weekly government council, Baitas assured that, following the implementation of the Government’s fiscal plans, all Moroccans will have access to quality education, and will become “proper clients“ with adequate financial ability to seek quality treatment everywhere, and anytime.

Regarding Moroccan lawyers’ recent protests to new fiscal policies in the annual finance bill, the official said he has yet to hear of a professional authority that has refused the tax.

“Thanks to general citizen awareness in Morocco, all citizens today want to pay tax. But lawyers have a different perception of how to pay this tax,” he said.

Moroccan lawyers have been voicing anger for over a week now, over the government’s announcement that the professionals will now have to pay fees prior to dealing cases before the courts, arguing the decision hinders citizens’ constitutional right of direct, eased access to justice.

“Dialogue is open with the lawyers,” said Baitas, adding that the government is prepared to discuss this matter with unions representing the professionals, as part of the social dialogue.

Baitas recalled a meeting held last Sunday between the two parties before the lawyers announced the national strike, the boycott of hearings, and the organization of sit-ins throughout Morocco.

“The government is studying the different options to respond to the demands of lawyers and find a solution. There are indeed problems that must be resolved, but within the framework of participatory dialogue,” said Baitas.

Representatives of the Moroccan Bar Association (ABAM) held a meeting on Monday, October 31, with representatives of the government and parliamentary groups and associations of the House of Representatives to reach a “mutually acceptable” solution to the problems posed by these tax measures.

In a statement, ABAM indicated that the Casablanca members decided, after consulting the results of the meeting, that the conclusions “would not succeed in ensuring fair access to justice, nor a procedure that allows citizens to exercise their rights without financial constraints.”