La municipalité tunisienne

Abstract

This case study concerns municipalities in Tunisia. It provides an opportunity, in a context of constitutional, institutional and legislative reforms and municipal elections, to examine local governance. In particular, this case deals with the power games and actors through a conflict between a municipality and a coalition of stakeholders since 2016. Starting from an act of violation of local and urban legislation, the case highlights the shortcomings of the authorities in the management of local affairs and the positions taken by the various stakeholders over a period of almost three years. The study of the conflict at the local level makes it possible to follow the stages of the constitution of a coalition of stake-holders as a counter-power, and the evolution of the position of the municipality in its management of its stakeholders. This positioning of the various stakeholders thus influences the implementation of a new participative governance build on openness and transparency.