Tunisia's Committee on Finance and Budget has decided to hold a hearing with Finance Minister to discuss delays in providing reports and data related to the state's budget implementation, particularly for the first half of 2026. The committee will also examine the assumptions used to prepare the 2027 finance law and the adherence to legal deadlines and procedures for submitting necessary documents and data. This decision was made during the committee's meeting on Monday.
The committee expressed concern over the lack of data on the implementation of the state's budget for the first half of 2026 and the assumptions used to prepare the 2027 finance law. Committee Chair Maher Ktari emphasized that the committee's legislative and oversight duties require access to data and documents related to budget implementation and preparation of the finance law within legal deadlines. He noted that the absence of this data hinders a clear and comprehensive understanding of budget execution and public finance prospects.
The committee also discussed the suspension of two draft laws related to the closure of the state's budget for 2022 and 2023 due to issues with their accounting system. The committee stressed the need to address this issue to ensure a clear legal framework and smooth procedures. The closure of the budget is a key mechanism for oversight, enabling the Assembly to compare estimates with actual achievements and assess the implementation of resources, expenditures, and appropriations.
Furthermore, the committee discussed the delayed issuance of several regulatory texts related to the implementation of the 2026 finance law. Members called for an examination of the reasons behind these delays and their impact on the implementation of certain provisions and procedures outlined in the law. The committee also explored the implications of rising oil prices on the assumptions used in preparing the state's budget and the potential need for a supplementary finance law.
Committee members urged the government to control and rationalize state budget expenditures while ensuring that the tax burden on individuals and legal entities does not increase. They also called for realistic and well-founded assumptions in preparing the 2027 finance law, based on available economic data and updated indicators. Additionally, members emphasized the importance of early preparation and coordination of proposals related to the project to ensure its feasibility and implementation.
The committee has also decided to hold hearings with the CEO of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company to discuss the country's energy situation, energy costs, and their impact on public finances. They will also hear from the CEO of the National Company for Water Exploitation and Distribution to address issues related to water supply disruptions and measures taken to address them.
The Finance Committee's actions aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public finances. By scrutinizing budget implementation and the preparation of the 2027 finance law, the committee seeks to ensure that the government's financial plans align with the country's economic realities and priorities.
Key points
- The Tunisian Finance Committee will hold a hearing with the Finance Minister to discuss delays in budget reports and the 2027 finance law.
- The committee expressed concern over the lack of data on budget implementation and the assumptions used to prepare the 2027 finance law.
- The committee also discussed the implications of rising oil prices on the state's budget and the potential need for a supplementary finance law.
