Kais Saied: Toward a Governance Model Driven by Regions

President Kais Saied welcomed Imed Derbali, President of the National Council of Regions and Districts, on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Carthage Palace.

At the heart of the talks was the draft organic law submitted to the parliament regarding establishing local, regional, and district councils.

During this meeting, the Head of State stressed the importance of these councils in reducing the economic and social inequalities that persist between regions. “These regions, marginalized for decades, must benefit from equitable and sustainable reintegration,” declared the President.

These councils granted the status of local authorities, will play a vital role in national decision-making. Their deliberations will flow from the local level to the regional and then to the national level, through the National Council of Regions and Districts.

This process incorporates citizens’ aspirations into public policies, particularly through projects like the 2026–2030 Economic and Social Development Plan.

This new structure is intended to directly respond to the popular demands voiced during the revolutionary uprising of December 17, 2010. It is based on a key principle: political decisions must emerge from local needs and be translated into national actions.

President Saied highlighted that this approach would mark a break with the policies of exclusion and marginalization of the past.

The draft law also provides for public authorities to support these councils. They will be required to provide the necessary resources to ensure their optimal functioning.

“The members of these councils must be able to carry out their responsibilities under ideal conditions to meet the legitimate expectations of the people,” the President stated.

This initiative is part of a broader vision of local governance aimed at building a more equitable and inclusive Tunisia. By aligning local priorities with national policies, the government hopes to establish a participatory dynamic that ensures harmonious development among the country’s regions.

With this draft law, Tunisia aspires to make local authorities a cornerstone of its democracy, drawing on the legacy of the revolutionary movement.

This reform represents a crucial step in meeting the aspirations of Tunisians and building a future based on social justice and territorial equity.