🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Tunisian President dismisses Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy
via Business News3 min read
Tunisia's President Kaïs Saïed dismissed the Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy in a statement released at 4:39 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The dismissal was announced at the end of a lengthy statement that covered social considerations, political denunciations, and lyrical passages, without providing an explicit reason for the decision. The unexpected timing of the dismissal has raised questions, especially as it occurred just before Parliament was set to examine a presidential bill on photovoltaic concessions, a topic that has already drawn significant criticism. This has led to speculation that the minister may have been removed to absorb political responsibility for the controversy. The announcement followed a meeting with the Head of Government, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Social Affairs, and the Minister of Employment, which focused on implementing Article 15 of the 2026 finance law. This article concerns salary increases in the public and private sectors, as well as pension increases for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The President affirmed that the Tunisian state is committed to its social policy and to combating "pockets of reaction, betrayal, and corruption." He also instructed the finalization of a platform for recruiting long-term unemployed individuals based on "equity and justice." The statement also criticized the administration, citing "abnormal situations" due to recruitment based on loyalty rather than legal frameworks. The President stated that
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
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University lecturer and analyst Tarek Kahlaoui criticized the lack of debate surrounding draft laws on photovoltaic power plants, which are scheduled for parliamentary review. In a publication on Monday, April 27, 2026, Kahlaoui stated that he has been following this issue "since its inception" and regrets that only "a small handful" of stakeholders have paid attention to these projects, despite their significance. He highlighted the work of four key players: the Association for Energy Democracy, in conjunction with members of the General Electricity Federation; the Tunisian Organization for Clean Energies STEP, which has developed a white paper; former members of the parliamentary energy commission; and the Tunisian Economic Observatory, which produced what he considers "the most important analytical study" on the projects. Kahlaoui expressed regret that these organizations were not included in parliamentary discussions, noting their contributions were "rejected or ignored" at a recent meeting where only official representatives and project-favorable deputies were heard. He also criticized the authorities' silence regarding reservations from the General Electricity Federation, arguing that "ignoring criticism does not reflect the strength of arguments, but more likely their weakness." Kahlaoui emphasized that these projects, which are crucial for the country's energy future, require a calm public debate based on scientific data and field analyses. He warned against any attem
Mongi Rahoui, Secretary General of the Unified Democratic Nationalists Party Al-Watad, has called for public demonstrations against five solar power project bills. In a Facebook message on April 27, 2026, Rahoui urged citizens concerned with national sovereignty and the right to natural resources to mobilize on April 28, 2026. He described the projects as an attempt to undermine national sovereignty. These bills, deposited by the Presidency of the Republic, are scheduled for examination by the Assembly of People's Representatives on April 28, 2026. They are part of a strategy to accelerate energy transition and reduce reliance on gas imports, proposing photovoltaic power plants across the country through partnerships with private investors, with the state playing a central role in electricity purchase and regulation. While supporters view these projects as a pragmatic solution to energy and budgetary constraints, opponents, including MP Bilel El Mechri, criticize them as "energy colonialism" and "betrayal," framing the debate ideologically rather than economically or technically. The projects represent a public policy choice to leverage private financing for energy infrastructure given the state's limited investment capacity, a model widely used internationally to balance investment attractiveness with national interests.
Must ReadThe US Department of State announced on Monday, April 27, 2026, the approval of a potential military equipment sale to Tunisia, valued at an estimated $95 million. This sale is part of the third phase of the Border Security Project and aims to enhance Tunisia's defense and surveillance capabilities, particularly along its borders with Libya and Algeria, amidst ongoing regional security challenges. The project will enable Tunisia to improve its ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing national security needs. The program includes the acquisition of non-lethal security equipment for border surveillance and control. Key contractors identified are US companies L3Harris and Texas-based Toyota, specializing in defense technology and mobility. This initiative continues a strategic partnership between Washington and Tunis, focused on counter-terrorism, border surveillance, and regional stability. The United States has supported Tunisia's efforts in this area for several years through modernization programs for surveillance systems and training for security forces. This third phase follows previous phases that strengthened border control measures and operational capabilities of relevant agencies. Tunisia, strategically located between Europe, the Sahel, and Libya, faces complex security challenges including cross-border trafficking, irregular migration, and terrorist threats. Border security projects are seen as crucial for national security, intern