Finance Minister Michket Slama Khaldi Announces Conditional External Borrowing for 2026 Budget
Finance Minister Michket Slama Khaldi stated on Friday, November 28, 2025, that resorting to external borrowing to finance the 2026 budget is not excluded, but remains strictly conditioned on meeting essential criteria. This statement follows the examination of the 2026 finance bill during a joint plenary session between the Assembly of People's Representatives and the National Council of Regions and Districts.
Key Points
- The budget deficit is estimated at 11 billion dinars, which will be initially covered by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) as part of a self-sufficiency policy to facilitate government operations.
- The 2026 budget includes 583 local projects with a total cost of 940 million dinars, as well as a social agreement on progressive recruitment in the public sector and the absorption of precarious employment, which will incur additional costs.
- The budget priorities for 2026 focus on strengthening public investment, with a 12.4% increase compared to 2025, targeting sectors such as health, education, transportation, and integrated regional development programs.
Minister's Statement
Minister Michket Slama Khaldi emphasized that the 2026 budget is not just a set of numbers, but a comprehensive plan that includes significant investments and social measures. She also highlighted the ministry's efforts to restructure public enterprises and institutions while preserving the state's contribution, reducing tax pressure, decreasing debt, and reforming governance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Finance Minister's announcement outlines the government's approach to managing the 2026 budget, balancing the need for external borrowing with the importance of meeting essential criteria and prioritizing key sectors and social measures. The ministry's efforts to restructure public enterprises and institutions aim to ensure a more sustainable and efficient use of resources.
