On July 26, 2026, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi defended his reform plan to reduce court backlogs, calling it a "pari" (bet) to modernize the judiciary. The plan aims to streamline procedures and increase efficiency in Moroccan courts.
Ouahbi's remarks came in response to criticism from Fatima-Zahra Batta, a member of the opposition Justice and Development Party (PJD), who accused the ministry of "unjustified exclusion" of law graduates from civil service exams. Batta argued that the exclusion violated equal opportunity principles.
Ouahbi clarified that the exam criteria were based on specific needs and that all candidates meeting the requirements were eligible. He emphasized that the reform was designed to address long-standing issues of judicial delays and case backlogs.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitize court records and introduce alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. These measures are part of a broader strategy to improve access to justice and reduce the burden on traditional courts.
No official data on current court backlogs was provided during the exchange. The reform plan remains subject to parliamentary debate and implementation timelines.
