The Central Bank of Tunisia BCT states that the energy deficit continues to be a primary vulnerability for the national economy, despite improvements in several macroeconomic indicators in 2025. In its 2025 annual report, the BCT calls for accelerating the energy transition to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon imports and strengthen the Tunisian economy's resilience. Governor Fethi Zouhaier Nouri highlighted that the decline in national hydrocarbon production, coupled with fewer discoveries and slower exploration activities, has increased the country's dependence on external supplies, putting pressure on external balances. The structural energy deficit now accounts for over half of the total trade deficit. While the current account deficit remained relatively controlled at 2.3% of GDP in 2025 up from 1.6% in 2024, the trade deficit reached 21.8 billion dinars. This was largely offset by increased tourism revenues and remittances from Tunisians abroad. The BCT emphasizes that developing renewable energies and diversifying the energy mix are strategic levers for enhancing energy security, reducing exposure to external shocks, and supporting sustainable growth. The governor warned that the outlook for 2026 remains uncertain due to ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions and risks in energy markets. A potential resurgence in energy prices and import costs could exert new pressures on inflation, public finances, and external balances, underscoring the urgent need to reduce energy dep
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A new bill has been submitted to the Tunisian Parliament to ensure the effective execution of judicial decisions and penalties, and to criminalize acts that obstruct their implementation. Member of Parliament Fatma Mseddi announced on July 7, 2026, via Facebook, that the text, registered as number 44/2026, has been sent to the General Legislation Committee of the Assembly of People's Representatives for review. Speaking on Mosa茂que FM on July 8, Mseddi explained that the initiative addresses the ongoing issue of unexecuted judicial decisions in both criminal and administrative justice. She highlighted a legal vacuum that currently prevents adequate punishment for those responsible for non-execution, noting that many decisions remain unenforced. Mseddi stated that the current legal framework is insufficient, with penalties for such offenses limited to two weeks imprisonment and a four-dinar fine. The proposal also includes specific provisions for cases involving public officials or similar individuals, suggesting stricter penalties when obstruction comes from a public servant or official. The bill will now be examined by the General Legislation Committee before potentially being scheduled for a plenary session.
The Central Bank of Tunisia announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the signing of an expanded loan agreement with the Arab Monetary Fund for approximately $312 million. This financing, equivalent to 76.7 million Arab Accounting Dinars, is intended to strengthen the resilience of the Tunisian economy and consolidate the country's financial and external balances. The agreement was signed on July 7, 2026, by Fethi Zouhaier Nouri, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia, and Fahad M. Alturki, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund. The loan will help cover balance of payments needs, reinforcing the Tunisian economy's resilience and the sustainability of its financial and external balances. The funding will be disbursed in three tranches, with the first available upon the agreement's entry into force. Each tranche has a seven-year maturity, including a three-and-a-half-year grace period, with repayment in eight equal semi-annual installments. The Central Bank stated that this agreement reflects ongoing cooperation between Tunisia and the Arab Monetary Fund, as well as confidence in the country's economic and financial reform program. This financing supports efforts to enhance the Tunisian economy's capacity to address external challenges, improve macroeconomic stability indicators, and foster sustainable growth. The Central Bank of Tunisia reaffirms its commitment to continue, in coordination with national authorities and financial partners, the action
The Assembly of People's Representatives will hold a plenary session on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM, to examine the draft law approving the 2026-2030 Development Plan. This five-year plan, which outlines Tunisia's economic and social directions for the coming years, has generated significant discussion since its presentation. Economic experts and deputies have praised the document's ambition, particularly regarding investment, regional development, and economic transformation, while also cautioning about implementation challenges. A key concern is funding, with observers noting that the plan's objectives depend heavily on the state's ability to secure necessary resources amidst budget constraints and limited access to financing. Some deputies have called for more clarity on execution mechanisms, emphasizing that the plan's success hinges on translating commitments into concrete, funded projects. The parliamentary debate is expected to focus on both the strategic directions of the 2026-2030 Plan and the financial and institutional means for its realization.