In a recent statement, Maher Ketari, head of the finance commission at Tunisia's Assembly of Representatives of the People (ARP), expressed concerns over a trend of centralization in the country. He noted that recent decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Tunisia (JORT) suggest a shift towards centralizing major decisions, which could undermine decentralization efforts. Ketari called for a public debate on the issue, based on a thorough assessment of the current situation.
Ketari's comments come as the government prepares to discuss the 2027 budget and finance law (PLF 2027). He revealed that the commission has received two key documents: a report on the execution of the budget as of June 30, 2026, and a document outlining the main orientations of the 2027 finance law. The report will help assess the implementation of the budget at mid-year, while the second document will guide discussions on the upcoming finance law.
One of the recent decrees that has drawn Ketari's attention is the one related to penal conciliation. He welcomed the decree, describing it as an "opening" that aims to facilitate access to conciliation for Tunisians. However, he emphasized that the decree, like other issues, should be debated publicly, including on television and within parliamentary committees.
According to Ketari, the trend of centralization is particularly concerning, as it may erode the autonomy of local authorities. Until now, communes in Tunisia have enjoyed a significant degree of decentralization, but Ketari believes that recent developments suggest a reversal of this trend. He argued that decisions should be taken at the local level, rather than being centralized at the level of governors or other authorities.
To address these concerns, Ketari stressed the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of the current situation before making any decisions. He emphasized that a well-informed decision, whether centralized or decentralized, is crucial to avoid future problems. The head of the finance commission also highlighted that all stakeholders, including deputies and citizens, should be able to express their opinions freely on these issues.
The 2027 finance law is expected to be submitted to the Assembly by October 15. Ketari's comments suggest that the upcoming discussions will be closely watched, particularly with regard to potential new taxes on companies. He previously expressed opposition to such measures, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to taxation.
As Tunisia navigates these challenges, Ketari's statements reflect the ongoing debate about the country's governance and economic development. The finance commission head has previously addressed other key issues, including the need for reform of the exchange code and the promotion of photovoltaic energy. His emphasis on a thorough assessment and public debate underscores the importance of inclusive decision-making processes in Tunisia.
Key points
- Maher Ketari warns of a trend of centralization in Tunisia, which may undermine decentralization efforts.
- The finance commission head calls for a public debate on recent decrees and the upcoming 2027 finance law.
- Ketari emphasizes the need for a thorough assessment of the current situation before making decisions on decentralization and centralization.
