President of the Republic Kais Saïed Meets with Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzeri and Social Affairs Minister Issam Lahmar
Date: 2 March – afternoon meeting
A Critical Assessment of Social Protection
The discussion focused primarily on the current state of Tunisia’s social security funds, which the President described as “unacceptable.” President Kais Saïed emphasized that the nation’s duty now requires comprehensive structural reforms and a full‑scale review of the entire system in all its components.
He delivered an uncompromising diagnosis of these institutions, labeling their financial and administrative drift as intolerable. According to Saïed, the national urgency now demands deep structural reforms. This legislative agenda cannot be limited to superficial tweaks or short‑term palliative measures that would have no real impact on the daily lives of Tunisians. Instead, the overhaul must re‑think the whole system through a forward‑looking, scientific approach capable of tackling the root causes of the problem.
Roots of the Crisis
The President’s analysis points to a complex legacy shaped not only by questionable past strategic choices but, more critically, by mismanagement and corruption that have permanently eroded public funds. This has triggered a domino effect, leading to a clear deterioration of the benefits offered to social security contributors.
In response, Saïed calls for governance based on justice and equity, the only guarantees for respecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
Missed Opportunities and Potential
Saïed reminded the audience that the primary mission of the social funds should have been to protect themselves from any deficit. He argued that sound management could have turned these institutions into genuine pillars of financial sovereignty, capable—if needed—to support the state budget.
A Firm Commitment to Progress
Concluding the meeting on a decisive note, the President reaffirmed his determination to continue the national effort to remove obstacles hindering the country’s progress. By stressing that “the time for empty promises and illusions is over,” he pledged that the government will maintain continuous action to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Tunisian people.
Keywords: Tunisia social protection, social security reform, Kais Saïed, Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzeri, Issam Lahmar, structural reforms, financial governance, corruption, social welfare, Tunisian government, equity and justice.
