France guarantees the Tunisian debt in 1884,…

France guarantees the Tunisian debt in 1884, paving the way for the termination of the International Debt Commission's stranglehold on Tunisian finances.

Responding to French pressure, the Bey's government now lowers taxes, including the majba.

French officials hope that their careful monitoring of tax assessment and collection procedures will result in a more equitable system stimulating a revival in production and commerce and generating more revenues for the state.

Shoring up the debt-ridden and plundered Tunisian treasury is one of Cambon's main priorities.

The French authorities leave the framework of local government intact, but devise mechanisms to control it.

Caids, roughly corresponding to provincial governors, are the most important figures in local administration.

At the outset of the protectorate, some sixty of them had the responsibility of maintaining order and collecting taxes in districts either defined by tribal membership, or by geographical limits.

The central government appoints the caids, usually choosing a person from a major family of the tribe or district to ensure respect and authority.

Below the caids are cheikhs, the leaders of tribes, villages, and town quarters.

The central government also appoints them but on the recommendation of the caids.

After the French invasion, most caids and cheikhs had been allowed to retain their post, and therefore few of them resist the new authorities.

To keep a close watch on developments outside the capital, Tunisia's new rulers organize the contrôleurs civils.

These French officials replicate, at the local level, of the Resident-General, closely supervising the caids and cheikhs.