Chad: a conference-debate organized by ENA on the French experience of decentralization

On June 27, 2024, the general management of the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA) organized a conference-debate on the theme of "the French experience of decentralization: a comparative approach". The conference was moderated by Jean-Louis Rocheron, territorial administrator and former financial magistrate, and Stéphane Kesler, international consultant.

In his welcome address, ENA Director General Dr. Mahamat Borgou Hassan said that the conference-debate, led by eminent experts in the field, would enlighten audiences on the advantages and merits of decentralization as a current mode of governance, not only in France, but also in Africa and particularly in Chad.In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mahamat Borgou Hassan noted that this conference-debate, led by eminent experts in the field, would enlighten audiences on the advantages and merits of decentralization as a current mode of governance not only in France, but also in Africa, and particularly in Chad.

Keynote speaker Jean-Louis Rocheron focused on the particularity of the French experience of decentralization. He explained that the French decentralization model differs from other decentralization models. It emerged fairly recently in a country with a very long history of centralization of the State, but also of decentralization.

The French state came into being before the French nation, which contrasts, for example, with the history of decentralization in Germany and Italy, as opposed to Spain and the UK. Until recently, French decentralization was virtually free of pressure from populations with a strong religious identity, fighting for greater autonomy.There is, however, a growing movement in Corsica, the French Basque country and Alsace, which are expressing a limited desire for greater autonomy, or even independence.

The second speaker, Stéphane Kesler, international consultant, pointed out that Africa is experiencing a recent but profound development of decentralization. This is often part of the drive to strengthen public action at local level, and to develop open government.

Documents from regional organizations encourage this movement: African Charter of Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development (2012).

For Stéphane Kesler and Jean-Louis Rocheron, the French experience of decentralization may be of interest to Chad because of the following aspects: the gradual evolution of French decentralization: the role of the prefect has retained the possibility of central control of local political developments, but is increasingly becoming a develovelopment, regional audit chambers and various budgetary limits and regulations provide limits to financial risks for the country as a whole.

By preserving the power and control of the central state, in contrast to more developed federated systems, the French model of decentralization can ensure that financial risks are kept to a minimum.By preserving the power and control of the central state, unlike more developed federated systems, the French model of decentralization can ensure stability and a more sustainable, secure path to democratization and development at the local level.

French decentralization was born of the central government's desire to delegate more responsibilities in the interests of democratic improvement and a better sharing of wealth between each part of the country. Nevertheless, speakers stressed that the French experience of decentralization is not without its critics: the multi-level structure is often deemed too costly and not effective enough to meet economic, environmental and social challenges.

However, this has led to a trend towards merging structures, which should improve the situation. The slow decline in state-funded subsidies and allowances is putting strong pressure on decentralized authorities to improve internal processes and management, etc.

Following their presentations, the specialists exchanged views with the audience, made up mainly of public figures, teachers and students from Chad's Ecole Nationale d'Administration.

Source: www.alwihdainfo.com