According to Julie Kosack, director of communications at the International Monetary Fund, “the presentation of Tunisia’s program to the IMF’s board of directors has been postponed in order to give the Tunisian authorities more time to fulfill the conditions of the program.”
We reproduce below the translation of his entire response to a journalist’s question, during a press conference, Thursday, March 23, 2023, on the delay in the approval of Tunisia’s program by the international financial institution.
“So to take a step back and let you know where we are with Tunisia. On October 15, 2022, IMF staff and the Tunisian authorities concluded a staff-level agreement to support Tunisia’s economic policies with a four-year arrangement under the EFF. And that arrangement was worth around US$1.9 billion.
Tunisia’s IMF-supported program aims to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen social safety nets and tax fairness, as well as accelerate reforms and support an environment conducive to inclusive growth and job creation. sustainable jobs.
“The international community can greatly contribute to the success of the authorities’ program by quickly releasing additional funding.
“The presentation of this program to the Executive Board of the IMF has been postponed in order to give more time to the Tunisian authorities to fulfill the conditions of the program.
“A new Council date will be set in consultation with the Tunisian authorities once the required conditions are in place. And the IMF remains a strong partner for Tunisia and will continue to support the authorities in their reform efforts, particularly to strengthen social equity.
“We are concerned about the recent developments in Tunisia, and of course we note the measures taken by the authorities to remedy the situation. The IMF remains engaged with Tunisia, including to support efforts to strengthen social equity and promote inclusive growth.”
