MP Gebran Bassil cited the need for further administrative decentralization in the context of his accusations that both his allies and his political opponents had upset the balance and partnership by swooping in to confiscate the powers of the President of the Republic.
Bassil focused on that allies and opponents cannot selectively implement the Taif Accord.
He added that sometimes Taif is used to justify limitations related to presidential powers, even if it is misused. However, Taif is at other times neglected, as is the case with administrative decentralization, despite repeated calls for the need to pass its legislation.
But what did Basil mean when he tackled the possibility of implementing administrative decentralization "by force" if the law was not approved?
The sources interpreted the remarks in terms of raising the political bar, particularly in light of Bassil's clear statement that "our presence is our weapon."
Bassil emphasized that the economic and social situation was intolerable and that Taif's reforms, such as administrative decentralization, must be put into effect. For instance, according to sources, it is not feasible for the taxes collected from the Matn district alone to account for 25% of the taxes collected by the state, given that Matn is one of 25 districts.
Decentralization can be implemented by funding specific municipalities to carry out services that the state cannot offer or by providing direct financing to government hospitals in particular areas to improve their conditions.
Decentralization can also be beneficial to allocate certain water institutions with financial grants to secure diesel fuel to pump certain areas. It can also finance infrastructure projects in certain regions to prevent any control that the Minister of Public Works may exercise according to his political affiliation.
Implementing decentralization by force can be accomplished in more than one way, such as declaring a state of civil disobedience and avoiding paying taxes and fees in some areas until the law is implemented equally to everyone.
However, this is a far-fetched scenario that could result in further losses for the state treasury and unrest in the political system.
The best solution would be for the Parliament to restart a serious discussion of the expanded administrative decentralization bill, which former interior minister Ziad Baroud introduced in 2014 and discussed in one of the subcommittees over 63 sessions. The discussions ceased due to the presidential vacancy between 2014 and 2016. The October 17 revolution and the following constitutional stalemate further delayed any progress.
In reality, the primary cause for delay remains the need for a unified political intention for citizen equality.
This project is the only one being seriously proposed after MP Sami Gemayel adopted it.