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ARP debates new law to regulate foreign funding for associations

The People's Representatives' Assembly ARP is actively debating a reform of the legal framework for associations, with foreign funding emerging as a key point of contention. A study day was organized by the ARP, and Deputy Mounir Kammouni discussed the proposed text on Express FM on April 16, 2026. The discussions center on the shortcomings of Decree-Law 88 of 2011, with ARP President Brahim Bouderbala emphasizing the need to better regulate a sector that has seen issues with funding and transparency. The legislative initiative's representative, Fatma Mseddi, advocated for stronger oversight of foreign funding through upstream and downstream control mechanisms to track the origin of funds. Representatives from the Court of Accounts and the Banking and Financial Council also called for greater transparency but cautioned against excessive constraints that could hinder associations, particularly their access to international cooperation programs. Deputy Mounir Kammouni, a member of the initiative, confirmed this direction, stating that a revision is necessary given the proliferation of associations around 25,000 today and criticisms of their operations. The reform aims to enhance financial transparency and regulate foreign funding through prior declaration mechanisms and reinforced control. Kammouni indicated that the current proposal tends to significantly limit or even exclude foreign funding, though adjustments are possible during parliamentary debates. He stressed that the g