The Tunisian Parliament's Committee on General Legislation and the National Council of Regions and Districts' Committee on Internal Affairs and Immunity held a joint session on November 2, 2026, to discuss the 2027 justice budget. The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, who presented an overview of the ministry's tasks, strategic directions, and judicial activity indicators. They also outlined the allocated budget for 2027, which stands at 1.61% of the state's total public expenditures, representing an 8.43% increase from 2026.
The 2027 justice budget is divided into three programs: the Justice Program, accounting for 42.12% of the total allocation; the Prisons and Reform Program, making up 50.97%; and the Leadership and Support Program, constituting 6.92%. The budget is primarily allocated for rental expenses, which account for approximately 78.98% of the total budget, and operating expenses, amounting to around 120.4 million dinars. Notably, investment commitments have significantly increased from 90 million dinars in 2026 to 329 million dinars in 2027, primarily directed towards covering annual expenses related to equipment and ongoing projects.
During the session, Ministry of Justice representatives reviewed completed projects between 2021 and 2026, as well as ongoing and planned projects across various regions of Tunisia. These projects encompass the judicial and prison systems, including digital transformation initiatives such as digitizing judicial procedures and archives, and implementing integrated information systems and remote trial systems. Additionally, new court buildings are planned, including a Court of Cassation estimated to cost 250 million dinars and a Tunis Court of First Instance projected to cost around 300 million dinars.
The Ministry of Justice is also working on implementing an electronic judicial guidance system, developing a citizenship information system, and establishing an electronic archiving system for judgments and notary registers. Furthermore, the ministry aims to develop a civil affairs system, create a portal for Ministry of Justice services, and introduce a new information system for penal matters to digitize procedures and track case files. These initiatives aim to improve access to judicial services and enhance the overall efficiency of the justice system.
Members of Parliament raised concerns and questions regarding the current state of the judicial system, its ability to meet citizens' expectations, and issues related to human resources, infrastructure, and digitization. They emphasized the need to improve working conditions within courts, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance archive security. Additionally, they called for increased access to justice by establishing new courts or specialized chambers and addressing shortages in certain courts, particularly regarding appointments.
Lawmakers also stressed the importance of supporting the state's efforts to implement alternative penalties and encouraged closer collaboration between the legislative and executive branches, particularly in preparing or revising legal texts. In response to parliamentary concerns, Ministry of Justice representatives acknowledged that judicial reform requires significant financial resources and comprehensive legislative reforms. They stated that the ministry is working on a strategy for a comprehensive overhaul of the judicial system, focusing on penal policy and judicial reform.
The discussion highlighted the complexities and challenges facing the Tunisian justice system, including the need for improved infrastructure, enhanced digitization, and more efficient procedures. The 2027 budget aims to address some of these challenges, but lawmakers and ministry representatives alike acknowledged that a more comprehensive approach is required to achieve lasting reform. The session demonstrated the commitment of both the legislative and executive branches to addressing the needs of the justice system and promoting the rule of law in Tunisia.
Key points
- The 2027 justice budget in Tunisia has increased by 8.43% compared to 2026, with a focus on infrastructure development and digital transformation.
