State – Civil Society Interaction in Tunisia: Insider and Challenger

How do state officials interact with civil society organizations in post Arab Spring Tunisia? Tunisia is seen as example for its participation of civil society, but how does this state-civil society interaction work? When and where can civil society organizations participate? The paper bases on qualitative interviews with leaders of civil society organizations in Tunisia as well as interviews with their “counterparts” in the Tunisian administration, namely civil servants in leader positions in diverse ministries. By comparing both perspectives, possible ways and criteria of participation are outlined. Taking a state perspective, the analysis shows that criteria and moments for civil society participation differ from one ministry to another. While all ministries have to consult with civil society, the moment in terms of policy formulation and intensity do differ. Some civil society organizations can accompany a policy process through the entire process, other are only consulted in early phases or when most decisions have already been taken. Some organizations have institutionalized access, others rely on open consultations. Motivations for having civil society participation reach from real participation and idea input to consultations to prevent protest. The proposed paper gives a special attention to different stages of the policy process and the moments at which participation becomes possible, whether used or not by civil society. It also shows that proactive proposals and following a proposal through the institutions supports its implementation. The Tunisian case is an example for other countries, but it also shows that there are few common procedures across ministries, showing some of the difficulties of civil society participation.