Tunisia Continues to Keep Its Bet on a Sustainable Socio‑Economic Recovery
As both indicators and assessments from specialized institutions confirm, Tunisia is steadily achieving its goal of a gradual, comprehensive, and sustainable socio‑economic turnaround. Over the past few years—especially after the international blockade—our country has relied solely on its own resources to contain, to a considerable extent, its financial difficulties and to lay the intelligent foundations of a development path that appears solid.
This has been possible mainly thanks to the numerous and significant measures that have:
- Reduced pressure on public finances;
- Implemented necessary corrections to the national development model;
- Honoured, in particular, our priority international commitments.
A Cautious Reality
These achievements do not mean that Tunisia has fully solved its problems or that the situation is comfortable and reassuring. Far from it. Even though we are on the right track, we are still far from the finish line. The macro‑economic environment is complex, and the demands are even more demanding.
- International market volatility
- Climate instability
- Geopolitical agenda complexity
- The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East
These factors have dramatically altered the playing field and have sharply limited the margin for maneuver in most countries.
Current Economic Assessment
Recent national economic reports describe a manageable but uncomfortable position. The main concerns are:
- Public debt now estimated at over 85 % of GDP;
- Pressure to implement the various development programmes that have been planned.
Any default could undermine the international trust capital that Tunisia has painstakingly rebuilt over the past two‑to‑three years. This prospect alone is chilling, as it could trigger a freeze of foreign investment and external financing.
Warning from Economists
In a new study, economist Héla Ben Hassine Khalladi warns of a critical context that could even lead to a “budgetary rupture.” Such a scenario demands swift reactions and precise response plans to counter the upward trajectory of public debt. According to the economist, this requires the adoption of specific measures, including:
- Rationalising public expenditures;
- Controlling subsidies;
- Improving fiscal efficiency.
These actions are immediate priorities, but for the medium and long term, Tunisia must rethink its strategic agenda, focusing on:
- Ensuring sustainable productivity;
- Achieving overall economic growth;
- Maintaining a comfortable level of international openness.
The path ahead remains challenging, but with decisive policy choices, Tunisia can safeguard its economic stability and continue its journey toward a resilient, inclusive future.
