The government is moving forward with reforms to territorial governance by prioritizing deconcentration over full decentralization, a direction that is raising questions among local officials.
In practical terms, the executive aims to strengthen the powers of state representatives at the local level, giving them greater flexibility to adapt public policies to regional realities. This approach is intended to improve administrative efficiency without transferring additional powers to local authorities.
However, many local leaders argue that this strategy falls short. They are calling for more ambitious decentralization, involving a greater transfer of responsibilities and financial resources to local governments, enabling them to better address citizens’ needs.
The debate highlights two competing visions of territorial organization: one centered on a more flexible but still centralized state, and another based on stronger autonomy for local authorities. For now, the government appears to favor the first option, seeking to maintain national coherence and control over public policy.