Debates on decentralisation in Lebanon have persisted since the end of the civil war, with the Ta’if Agreement calling for “extensive administrative decentralisation” through the creation of local councils to enhance development and citizen participation. However, decades later, these structural reforms remain unfulfilled, and Lebanon’s municipalities struggle to meet basic public service needs. Issues such as waste management, healthcare, urban planning, and transportation remain critical challenges, exacerbated by the influx of 1.5 million Syrian refugees. While some shortcomings stem from weak implementation of existing laws rather than structural flaws, municipalities also suffer from severe financial constraints and excessive bureaucratic oversight, making effective governance nearly impossible.
The central government’s control over local finances, particularly through the discretionary distribution of the Independent Municipal Fund, has further weakened municipal autonomy. Additionally, outdated tax structures and excessive administrative red tape hinder local authorities from budgeting, planning, and hiring necessary staff – leaving 75% of municipalities unable to employ civil servants. Recent crises, including Lebanon’s waste management failures and the strain of hosting refugees, have reignited discussions on decentralisation. While a 2014 draft bill proposes establishing regions as an intermediate governance tier, experts caution that structural reforms should not distract from improving the existing system. This paper builds on the discussions from DRI Lebanon’s 2016 Expert Meeting on the Political and Legal Framework for Decentralisation, exploring ways to enhance local governance and autonomy.