President Kais Saied Visits the Ellouhoum Company in El Ouardia
On Tuesday afternoon, President of the Republic Kais Saied paid a visit to the headquarters of the Ellouhoum company in El Ouardia.
During the visit, the Head of State inquired about the company’s operations – a firm that was founded in 1961 – and held discussions with numerous officials concerning the irregularities and abuses observed in its management, notably corruption cases.
In a video posted on the official Facebook page of the Presidency, President Saied declared that the offences identified, as well as the suspect contracts linked to the company, are fully documented. He added that the intention to privatise Ellouhoum by changing its legal status dates back to the 1990s.
“These violations and illicit practices continued even after 2010,” the President lamented, placing full responsibility for the current situation on the various parties involved.
Alleged Animal‑Slaughter Misconduct
Saied condemned the practice of slaughtering female cattle and sheep with the aim of eliminating livestock and production in Tunisia. He highlighted:
- Lack of hygiene measures in the company’s slaughterhouse.
- Spread of diseases within the facility.
- Deterioration of equipment used for processing meat.
He stressed that every Tunisian citizen has the right to purchase meat at prices set by the State. The President pointed to the involvement of several networks within the administration and the company’s slaughterhouse that allegedly sell un‑slaughtered and spoiled meat.
Attempts to Transfer Ownership Since 1996
The President revisited the failed attempts to transfer Ellouhoum to private individuals and banks since 1996. He claimed that the privatisation project was launched through the intervention of numerous people and firms that sustained corruption and mobilised funds for studies that never materialised.
When discussing the modernisation of the company’s status, Saied clarified that the goal was not merely to update the legal framework but to sell the company outright.
Accusations of a “Vast Conspiracy”
Saied denounced several illegal practices, especially the recent pressure on officials to import foreign meat. He described this as a “vast conspiracy” targeting Tunisia.
Commitment to Fight Corruption
Facing a surge in corruption, President Saied reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to purge public establishments and state‑owned enterprises of corrupt actors. He rejected any plan to sell or transfer these entities.
He noted that several companies have already resumed operations, and that efforts are underway to restart others, such as:
- Tunisian Sugar Company
- Tunisian Steel Company (Elfouladh)
Price Regulation and Market Monitoring
The President emphasized the role of state enterprises and offices in regulating prices. He announced daily monitoring of meat prices and other market goods to ensure transparency and fairness.
On‑Site Inspection
During the visit, Saied toured the Ellouhoum facilities, which are still subject to a liquidation decision. He inspected the poor conditions inside the plant and the dilapidated equipment that had long been neglected.
Meeting Citizens at Bab El Fellah Market
After the factory tour, President Saied went to the Bab El Fellah market, where he spoke with vendors and listened to citizens’ concerns. He reiterated the State’s continuous social role until the demands of Tunisians in all sectors are met.
“There will be zero tolerance for those who have seized the country’s wealth,” he promised, assuring that the Tunisian people will never be an easy prey. “The law is the arbiter before which everyone is equal.”
Keywords: President Kais Saied, Ellouhoum, Tunisia, corruption, meat prices, privatisation, animal slaughter, market regulation, public enterprises.
