Kaïs Saïed calls for acceleration of criminal reconciliation cases to recover embezzled funds
President Kaïs Saïed met with Ali Abbess, president of the National Criminal Reconciliation Commission, at Carthage Palace on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The meeting focused on the commission's progress and cases submitted by individuals seeking sincere reconciliation. President Saïed highlighted that he proposed the principle of criminal reconciliation in 2012, noting that "suspicious agreements" were later made. He urged the acceleration of case reviews, criticizing procedural delays that he believes are exploited to prolong cases or exert pressure, which he described as "disguised blackmail." The President reaffirmed the state's right to recover funds belonging to the Tunisian people, stating this right will not expire due to statutes of limitations or alliances with remnants of the former regime. He also stated that individuals who have infiltrated public institutions must be held accountable. Saïed emphasized that the state's goal is not vengeance, imprisonment, or forcing individuals into exile, but rather to recover rights and funds legitimately owed to the Tunisian people. He concluded that neither escape nor funding from known circles would protect beneficiaries from accountability.