Minister of Finance Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Vehicle Importation Project
The Minister of Finance, Michket Slama Khaldi, has estimated that the proposed project allowing families to acquire new or used vehicles with tax benefits is costly for public finances and difficult to implement. She reminded that Tunisian citizens do not have a general right to import goods.
In her statements, she emphasized that the right to import is governed by strict laws and conditions, and is a fundamental issue. The Minister also highlighted the numerous problems raised by this project, including:
- The implementation of importation for the benefit of families
- The modalities of granting tax benefits
- The management of foreign currencies
- The transportation and customs clearance of vehicles
- The state's ability to oversee the operation
Khaldi recalled that preserving foreign currency reserves remains a national priority, and that state support should focus on strategic sectors such as energy, grains, and essential imports. She also warned about the risks associated with introducing old vehicles into the market.
"If the project aims to alleviate public transportation difficulties, it may instead encourage the importation of old vehicles, which are prone to breakdowns and require spare parts in foreign currencies, posing a threat to the national economy," she cautioned.
The Minister noted that the government is already working to improve public transportation, including the introduction of new bus lines. She stressed that the proposed text cannot be applied without the prior adoption of a decree fixing its practical modalities.
Despite these reservations, the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) adopted Article 55 of the 2026 finance bill, which establishes a tax benefit for the importation or local acquisition of new or used vehicles for the benefit of resident families. The article specifies that this benefit is granted only once in a lifetime and sets out the conditions for its allocation.
