No roadmap, no global vision: Shortcomings and pitfalls of the first stage of decentralization reforms in Tunisia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the shortcomings and pitfalls of the first stage of this process, which came to an end in 2021. After contextualizing the associated controversies within theoretical debates on decentralization as well as within the historical and legal context of current decentralization reforms, I investigate the process behind the drafting of a new legal framework for the local collectivities code (LCC). The analysis uncovers deep-seated contention regarding the content of the reform between ruling parties, national bureaucrats, legal experts and NGOs – most importantly surrounding the question of the financial autonomy of local units, which is a typical point of contention in decentralization processes. The analysis concurrently reveals numerous procedural weaknesses with negative consequences on the overall reform process. Moreover, the lack of a roadmap for the reform process proved to be disastrous, leading local elections to take place before the LCC was promulgated. Finally, the government’s lack of a clear vision for the reform process gave national bureaucrats an excessive amount of autonomy. The outcome of this was blockages and dysfunction among the elected councils, creating numerous challenges for the subsequent stages of decentralization reforms in Tunisia – if continued at all given the current political crisis.