Open Government in Tunisia: La Marsa, Sayada and Sfax
This report analyses legal and institutional frameworks, public policies and open government practices in Tunisia at the local level. It is based on three pilot municipalities - La Marsa, Sayada and Sfax. The report proposes recommendations to help the central government create an enabling environment for open government at the local level. It also provides support for the efforts of these municipalities and those of civil society to establish new mechanisms for participation, transparency and accountability.
Introduction
The revolution of 14 January 2011 began in Tunisia’s poorest regions. It cast a spotlight on the difficulties faced by Tunisians based on their area of origin, and their frustration at the lack of opportunities and economic development in the interior regions (The European Union's Committee of the Regions 2014). Seven years later, the development of the interior regions remains at the core of popular demands, and the implementation of the decentralisation provided for in the 2014 Constitution is eagerly awaited (OECD, 2017a). Since 2011, the municipalities – administrations that are traditionally close to citizens – have been faced with growing calls and demands from the people for increased socio-economic development and the establishment of local democracy.