Tunisia's Finance and Budget Committee has decided to hold a hearing with the Finance Minister to discuss delays in providing data on the state's budget implementation, particularly for the first half of 2026, and the assumptions used to prepare the 2027 finance law project. The committee also aims to discuss the possibility of preparing an amending finance law due to changes in oil prices and their potential impact on the state's budget.
The committee expressed concern over the lack of data on budget implementation for the first half of 2026 and the assumptions used for the 2027 finance law project. Committee head Maher Kattari emphasized that the committee's oversight and legislative duties require access to accurate and timely data on budget implementation and finance law preparations. He noted that the Constitutional Law on Budgets stipulates that the assumptions and major orientations of the state's budget must be presented to the People's Representatives Assembly by the end of July.
The committee also discussed the issue of suspending the examination of draft laws on the closure of the state's budget for 2022 and 2023 due to concerns over their compliance with the Constitutional Law on Budgets. Committee members stressed the need to address this issue to ensure the clarity of the legal framework and the regularity of procedures. The closure of the budget is a key mechanism for oversight of the state's budget execution.
Furthermore, the committee discussed the delay in issuing implementing regulations for the 2026 finance law and its impact on the implementation of certain provisions. Members also examined the impact of rising oil prices on the state's budget assumptions and the need for an amending finance law. They called on the government to control and rationalize state budget expenditures without increasing the tax burden on individuals and companies.
Committee members emphasized the importance of adopting realistic and informed assumptions when preparing the 2027 finance law project, based on available economic data and updated indicators. They also called for early preparation of proposals related to the project and enhanced coordination to ensure their coherence and feasibility.
In addition to the hearing with the Finance Minister, the committee decided to hold hearings with the CEO of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company on the country's energy situation and the cost of energy, as well as the CEO of the National Company for Water Exploitation and Distribution on issues related to water supply disruptions.
The committee's decisions aim to enhance oversight of the state's budget and finance law preparations, ensuring that the government provides accurate and timely data to facilitate informed decision-making. The hearings are expected to shed light on key issues affecting the country's economy and public finances.
Key points
- The Finance Committee will hear the Finance Minister on delays in providing budget data and 2027 finance law preparations.
- The committee is concerned about the lack of data on budget implementation for the first half of 2026.
- The committee also aims to discuss the possibility of preparing an amending finance law due to changes in oil prices.
