The Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs is set to implement significant reforms in its 2027 budget, focusing on revamping the social security system and enhancing care for people with disabilities. Minister of Social Affairs, Issam Al-Hamr, outlined these plans during a discussion on the ministry's 2027 budget project. The reforms aim to review and adjust the social security system to better align with Tunisia's economic and social realities.
One of the key initiatives is the development of a new legal framework to facilitate the creation of new social intervention programs. This will enable the ministry to respond more effectively to emerging needs without requiring constant legislative revisions. The proposed framework will allow for the establishment of programs through decrees and decisions, making it easier to adapt to changing social conditions. For instance, a new program will be introduced to support families being relocated from homes at risk of collapse.
The ministry is also working on a comprehensive review of the social security system to address financial imbalances. This involves assessing the country's economic and social context to determine the optimal level of contributions and benefits. The minister emphasized that simply collecting contributions and redistributing them as pensions is not sufficient; a long-term financial balance between resources and commitments is essential. This review will help ensure the sustainability of the social security system.
In addition to these reforms, the ministry is revising the 2005 law on the promotion of people with disabilities to align it with international standards. The new law aims to establish a more responsive social system for people with disabilities, taking into account their specific needs, including additional expenses for care, treatment, and transportation. A new platform will be created to coordinate interventions and services for people with disabilities.
The ministry is also planning to establish non-profit institutions for social development, particularly in the field of disability care. These institutions will operate under strict scientific, administrative, and regulatory frameworks to ensure the quality of services and protect beneficiaries from abuse and neglect. The government will provide funding for these institutions, but strict controls will be in place to ensure transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the ministry is working to resolve the professional and financial situations of workers in the disability sector. This includes finding a solution for the payment of salaries to workers at the International Center for the Promotion of People with Disabilities. The ministry is also developing programs for the professional promotion of specialized education workers in associations, who have been waiting for promotions for around 15 years.
The ministry's efforts to improve the social security system and care for people with disabilities reflect a broader commitment to enhancing social welfare in Tunisia. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and promoting social inclusion, the government aims to create a more equitable society. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and coordination among various stakeholders.
Key points
- Reform of social security system to address financial imbalances and improve services
- Development of new programs and institutions to support people with disabilities
- Establishment of non-profit institutions for social development and disability care
