Tunisia's Finance Committee, led by Maher Kattari, convened on October 7, 2026, to examine the government's report on the implementation of the state's budget for the first half of 2026. The committee also reviewed the assumptions and major orientations of the 2027 finance bill. Kattari emphasized the importance of adopting a clear methodology to study the bill, focusing on the state's financial balances and underlying assumptions.
The committee chairman stressed that the committee's stance against increasing tax pressure aligns with the government's approach in the 2027 finance bill, which does not introduce new taxes. This allows for a study of the bill based on maintaining current tax levels, with a focus on improving resource efficiency and rationalizing expenditure management. The committee also highlighted the need to control the growth of state expenditure in 2027 and adopt a policy to rationalize spending.
The committee emphasized the importance of providing necessary data and explanations on the evolution of state expenditure since 2010. This would enable an analysis of this trend and an assessment of its impact on the state's financial balances. The committee also discussed the need for clear options to support investment, particularly in the industrial sector, which has seen a decline in its contribution to GDP from 25% in 2010 to around 14% currently.
The committee members noted that the documents presented did not include detailed tables on various revenues and expenditures over the past three years. This limited the ability to conduct a comparative and accurate financial analysis of the development of financial indicators during this period. They also called for more precise data linked to the assumptions underlying the 2027 finance bill.
The committee members requested clarification on how to implement the proposed growth model, sources of added value creation, and practical mechanisms to translate general orientations into executable policies and programs. They also discussed the need to find practical solutions to issues related to public finance, energy transition, and the development of renewable energies.
The committee emphasized the importance of subjecting proposed investment projects to thorough and comprehensive feasibility studies. These studies should consider the economic and social returns of projects, as well as their compliance with regulatory frameworks. The committee also highlighted the need to develop the legislative framework governing investment and exchange.
The committee members stressed the importance of supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors, which contribute to economic growth and added value creation. They called for practical measures to address issues in various areas related to the agricultural sector, such as olive oil, livestock, and red meat.
Key points
- The committee calls for controlling expenditures and supporting investment in the 2027 finance bill.
