Tunisia's parliamentary finance committee has scheduled an audition with Finance Minister to review several matters related to the state's budget execution and preparation of the 2027 finance bill. The committee seeks explanations on delays in submitting reports and data on the state's budget execution for the first half of 2026. They also want to know the assumptions used to draft the next finance bill.
The finance committee noted it had not received data on the state's budget execution for the first half of 2026 or assumptions for the 2027 finance bill. Committee head Maher Kettari recalled that parliament's oversight mission requires providing budget documents and data within legislated deadlines. He cited the organic budget law, which mandates presenting budget assumptions and orientations to parliament by July.
The committee believes the delay hampers having a clear view of budget execution and public finance prospects. It complicates comparing initial forecasts with actual revenues, expenditures, and credits. The committee also discussed the status of draft laws regulating the state's budget for 2022 and 2023. Their examination is tied to issues surrounding the absence of double-entry accounting.
The finance committee reviewed the impact of oil price fluctuations on state budget assumptions. A sustained price hike could alter budget forecasts and affect state resources, expenditures, and overall public finance balances. The committee may consider preparing a rectified finance bill depending on economic and financial indicators.
Committee members called on the government to better control and rationalize public spending without increasing tax pressure on individuals and businesses. They want to preserve consumption and investment capacity. The 2027 finance bill preparation should rely on realistic, updated assumptions based on recent economic data.
The committee wants to ensure that budget preparation is transparent and efficient. They emphasized the need for accurate and timely data to make informed decisions about public finances. This audition aims to hold the finance minister accountable for the state's budget execution.
The finance committee's actions reflect parliament's oversight role in monitoring public finances. The audition with the finance minister will help clarify budget execution issues and assumptions for the 2027 finance bill.
Key points
- The Tunisian parliament's finance committee is set to audit the finance minister over budget execution and the 2027 budget plan.
- The committee seeks explanations on delays in submitting budget reports and data for the first half of 2026.
- The audition aims to ensure transparent and efficient budget preparation.
