The 2027 finance bill raises reservations about support for industry and the means to achieve the announced growth. At the preparatory meeting on October 21, Maher Ketari and Issam Chouchane requested adjustments and further explanations.
As president of the Finance and Budget Committee of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, Maher Ketari regards the bill’s orientation toward wealth creation and investment as favorable. He nevertheless believes that some articles could run counter to the protection of the Tunisian industry and calls for them to be reviewed, without specifying which ones in his reported remarks.
He advocates measures capable of stimulating industrial production and exports, while safeguarding foreign exchange reserves. According to him, the examination of the project should address the root causes of the economic difficulties, beyond short-term responses.
Deputy Issam Chouchane, for his part, asked for a detailed statement of reasons to illuminate the discussion of the articles. He welcomed the provisions supporting young enterprises and small structures, notably the state coverage of social security contributions for four years, from 2027 to 2030, mentioned in his reading of the bill.
These measures remain, however, insufficient in his view to reach the growth target of 3.1% in 2027. He calls for deeper provisions with a greater impact on activity.
Regarding 2026, Issam Chouchane considers that a supplementary finance law remains feasible depending on the evolution of oil and wheat prices, growth, inflation, and the exchange rate. This possibility remains to be discussed with the executive in light of budget execution: no decision has been announced.
The commission also addressed delays in implementing texts and the organization of amendment proposals. A hearing with the Minister of Finance is awaited on budget execution in the first half of the year and on the relevance of the assumptions adopted, notably in light of pressures on subsidy expenditures and the deficit.
