Expanded decentralization is key for reforming the structure of the Lebanese state, as it allows for a fairer distribution of powers and resources across different regions. This, in turn, helps ensure the effective participation of all national components in governance. Most importantly, this approach does not imply dismantling the state or weakening its central authority; rather, it serves as a mechanism to strengthen political and administrative stability by granting regions greater capacity to manage their affairs in line with their specific characteristics and actual needs.
Expanded administrative decentralization is a contentious issue in Lebanon, periodically resurfacing and sparking heated debates among political factions. President Joseph Aoun has revived the issue of expanded decentralization, viewing it as a means to promote balanced development, address disparities in marginalized regions and strengthen citizen participation in governance. He stresses that its implementation must remain within the framework of a unified state, ensuring it reinforces both stability and national unity.
Abu Nassif: ‘Expanded Decentralization Unsettles Only Those Who Want to Dominate the Country's Resources’
Hisham Abu Nassif, a professor of International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, noted that "the implementation of expanded decentralization, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement, could serve as a first step toward federalism in Lebanon. He stressed that this system should not be viewed as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and achieve balanced development. In fact, the implementation of expanded decentralization will contribute to a fair distribution of power, holding each party accountable for managing the affairs of its regions, thereby enhancing the efficiency of local governance. This system would require armed groups, such as Hezbollah, to hand over their weapons to the state. Should they refuse, consideration could be given to evolving the system into federalism. It is important to note that this proposal is not necessarily sectarian, but seeks to serve the interests of all Lebanese.
Abu Nassif added, "Expanded decentralization will allow for each region to manage its own developmental decisions, such as creating infrastructure projects and setting official holidays, thereby strengthening regional autonomy in making choices that align with their needs. This system of expanded decentralization is only feared by those who seek to control the country’s resources and impose their political agendas on everyone."
Abu Nassif believes that the benefits of expanded decentralization would be evident in improving administrative performance and alleviating the burdens on central authority, resulting in more efficient decision-making and faster response to citizens' needs. It also facilitates balanced development across regions by fairly allocating resources, thus helping to reduce economic disparities between wealthy and impoverished areas.
Rihan: “The Interests of Some Sectarian Parties Present an Obstacle to the Implementation of Decentralization”
As for political writer Ibrahim Rihan, he argued that "the goals that could be achieved include, first and foremost, promoting balanced development, boosting state revenues and ensuring security across all regions. Additionally, expanded administrative decentralization provides institutions with greater operational flexibility, playing a crucial role in restoring trust between the citizen and the central government."
He added, "It is expected that expanded decentralization will help ease sectarian tensions, but its implementation must go hand in hand with the full application of the Taif Agreement. This includes the establishment and activation of the National Commission to abolish political sectarianism, the election of a non-sectarian parliamentary council, and the creation and activation of a Senate that mirrors the shares of Lebanon’s religious confessions and communities. Failing to implement these measures could fuel sectarian concerns and mutate decentralization into sectarian cantons."
Rihan further highlighted that "the main obstacles are the sectarian issue, the fear of accountability and fighting corruption. Implementing administrative decentralization strengthens the fight against corruption and curbs the plundering of public funds, which in itself is a major challenge. Furthermore, the interests of certain sectarian parties pose an obstacle to decentralization, as those who benefit from central governance fear decentralization."
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