The Tunisian General Labor Union organized a roundtable discussion on the 2027 state budget, with economist Hadi Dahman presenting a critical analysis of the draft law. Dahman described the law as an extension of previous policies, lacking a genuine social dimension. He stated that the 2027 finance law is essentially a replica of the 2026 law, which in turn was an extension of the 2025 budget.
Dahman noted that the current draft law lacks significant changes or major economic shifts, both in terms of economic balance and the formulation of the general budget. The labor union observed that the majority of state budget resources, as usual, rely on taxation imposed on individuals and companies. The 2027 finance law also marks the second time the government has resorted to the central bank for financing and loans to support the state budget without recording a surplus.
The labor union expressed concerns that the impact of the finance law on citizens will be substantial and noticeable, particularly through continued tax pressure. With taxation being the primary resource, citizens and institutions will bear the brunt, adding to the pressure on purchasing power. Moreover, experts' readings indicate that the expected growth rate of 2.1%, or between 2.2% and 2.4%, remains far from desired and does not provide sufficient solutions to limit unemployment and control inflation.
Dahman emphasized that the high cost of living cannot be isolated from global inflation, investment, and geopolitical situations, making 2027 a challenging year for Tunisian citizens. He stressed that the goal of joint seminars and dialogues between experts and social actors is to formulate a comprehensive and militant vision that goes beyond the purely technical aspect of the budget.
The labor union's analysis calls for finding a balanced equation that accurately matches social peace requirements and investment necessities. The union reiterated that the absence of genuine dialogue on the major chapters of the finance law will have profound repercussions on the country's general climate.
Dahman warned that the social aspect is missing in the 2027 finance law, with no clear prospects for genuine social action within the law's chapters. He considered the social dimensions mentioned in the law as merely a formal extension that does not meet the aspirations of the working class and vulnerable groups.
The Tunisian General Labor Union's critique of the 2027 finance law highlights concerns about its potential impact on citizens and the economy. The union's recommendations emphasize the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to budgeting, one that addresses social and economic challenges effectively.
Key points
- The 2027 finance law has been criticized for lacking a genuine social dimension and potentially having a heavy impact on Tunisian citizens.
Reporting sources
- Jawhara FM · Jawhara FM
