A Priority for a Stable and Inclusive Economy On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri Nemssia addressed parliament members’ questions during a joint plenary session at the Parliament.
The discussion revolved around the finance law and the budget for the year 2025, which the minister describes as a response to a time marked by global economic instability.
Reducing the Budget Deficit and Promoting Recovery The minister highlighted the state’s efforts to meet its international financial commitments despite challenging economic conditions. She mentioned that the government aims to reduce the budget deficit to 5.5% of GDP in 2025, while acknowledging progress in tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.
Advances have also been noted in electricity and phosphate projects, both cornerstones of the Tunisian economy.
Massive Financial Commitments The minister detailed efforts to meet public debt obligations, with a repayment of 25 billion dinars in 2024 and a planned 24.7 billion dinars for 2025. However, she admitted that the public finances situation remains tight, with limited budget space due to the significant debt service.
Mobilizing Non-Fiscal Resources In response to concerns from parliamentarians about recent budgets being labeled as “fiscal budgets,” Sihem Boughdiri Nemssia emphasized efforts to diversify the state’s revenue sources. She specifically mentioned the resolution of the confiscated assets issue, which provides significant financial input to the public treasury. The minister also discussed measures to mobilize resources outside of traditional taxation.
Integrating the Informal Economy The minister stated that integrating the informal economy is a government priority. She described this initiative as a “state challenge,” not only for potential tax revenues but also for the job opportunities it could create. Among the measures considered is the law on individual entrepreneurship, a key tool in the strategy for economic inclusion.
A Vision for a Promising Future Sihem Boughdiri Nemssia stressed the goal of making Tunisia a stable and attractive destination for investors. She noted that efforts in good governance have already helped stabilize the balance of payments and foreign exchange reserves.
The Finance Minister concluded by stating that the 2025 budget draft reflects the state’s commitment to supporting Tunisians’ purchasing power and reducing economic inequalities.
