Decentralization

The Never-Ending Debate on the Independent Municipal Fund

In Lebanon, no conversation about municipal elections seems complete without mentioning the Independent Municipal Fund. Whether in political discourse or campaign rhetoric, the fund remains at the heart of debate—and controversy. Established with the noble aim of supporting municipalities and municipal federations, especially those with limited ...

Samy Gemayel: 'The Decentralization Law Is Almost Complete, Only Political Will Is Missing'

After 76 sessions and nearly 200 hours of work, Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel announced that the draft law on decentralization is practically finalized and now only awaits political will for its adoption. Speaking at the third Tajaddod Lel Watan participatory conference, titled “Decentralization: The Time Has Come,” Gemayel urged ...

Municipal Federations in Lebanon: Strategic Tools with Political Implications

Created under Lebanon’s 1977 Municipal Organization Law, municipal federations (MFs) hold legal status and enjoy administrative and financial autonomy, similar to that of individual municipalities (Article 114). These federations can include an unlimited number of member municipalities—usually on a voluntary basis—to implement joint projects ...

The President at the Forefront of Expanded Decentralization

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 ...