2026 Budget Bill: Focusing on Social Justice and Balanced Regional Development
The 2026 budget bill, developed under the slogan "Social Justice and Balanced Regional Development," confirms the government's intention to continue targeted support for basic products, fuels, and public transportation, while strengthening social programs and the role of citizen enterprises in promoting more equitable regional development. The government is set to submit the 2026 budget bill and state budget to Parliament on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in accordance with constitutional deadlines.
Continued Social Support
The bill provides for continued targeted support for essential products, hydrocarbons, and collective transportation, aiming to protect the purchasing power of low-income households, stabilize prices, and reduce production and transportation costs for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. In parallel, the government is committed to continuing the regularization of construction site workers' situations, integrating substitute teachers and school supervisors, and launching a recruitment program for doctoral degree holders. These measures are part of the government's effort to reduce unemployment, especially among higher education graduates, and strengthen the foundations of the social state.
Economic Performance and Projections
The budget bill is based on the positive results achieved in 2025, marked by a 2.4% growth rate in the first half of the year, inflation reduced to 5% in September, as well as stable oil prices and a significant decrease in global food prices. These performances inform the projections for 2026, the first year of implementation of the new five-year plan (2026-2030), designed within a framework of global, continuous, and equitable development, aiming to strengthen social cohesion and address the priorities of the period.
Integrated Vision and Macroeconomic Framework
The Ministry of Finance's document specifies that the 2026 budget bill is part of an integrated vision, aiming to consolidate social justice, preserve macroeconomic and financial balances, and ensure balanced regional development, while consecrating the central role of the state as a driver of inclusive development. The budget estimates are based on several economic assumptions, including a growth rate higher than that of 2025, stability of the Tunisian dinar against major currencies, an increase in external demand, and global growth of 3% in 2026, with a 1.2% increase in GDP in the euro zone and an average Brent crude oil price estimated at $63.3 per barrel, compared to $66-70 in 2025.
Debt Repayment and Financial Commitments
The bill also provides for the development of a debt repayment schedule (principal and interest) for 2026, in accordance with the overall balance of the budget and the proper execution of public expenditures. The respect of the state's financial commitments, particularly with regard to public debt service, remains a budgetary priority, reflecting the solidity of financial balances and contributing to strengthening the country's credibility with international institutions and global financial markets.
Public Sector Reform and Governance
The upcoming period will be marked by the continuation of public sector reforms, particularly through the acceleration of the implementation of financial and technical restructuring plans for public enterprises in difficulty. This reform program aims to improve management efficiency, strengthen financial balances, ensure the sustainability of public enterprises, and increase their competitiveness. The government also plans to review the management methods of public institutions to strengthen their financial performance and capacity to support state efforts, while ensuring the respect of internal and external commitments.
Social and Economic Inclusion
On the social level, Tunisia will continue to strengthen social transfers, considered an essential tool for redistributing income and combating poverty, particularly through the strengthening of the social security and protection system. Efforts to financially and economically include vulnerable categories will be intensified, particularly through the creation of financing lines to support collective entrepreneurship, especially among women and young people. The bill also gives particular attention to citizen enterprises, which are called upon to play a major role in reducing regional disparities and promoting more equitable local development.
Renewed Approach and Long-Term Vision
The Ministry of Finance specifies that the preparation of the 2026 budget was done in accordance with the new approach of the development plan, based on the expected results of 2025 and a set of guiding principles. This approach aims to rethink the social role of the state, give new impetus to the national economy, correct existing imbalances, and seize the opportunities offered by national and international contexts. It is based on the constitutional principles of the right to equitable development, as well as the axes of the new presidential mandate, which focuses on "building and construction," covering social, economic, regional, institutional, legislative, and environmental areas. Note that the document outlining the main points of the 2026 budget bill does not include any detailed numerical or statistical data at this stage.
