Tunisian President Kais Saïed Cracks Down on Price Hikes and Monopolies

Tunisian President Kais Saïed has urged his government to take action against the rising cost of living and monopolies that are affecting several agricultural products. During a meeting with Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri, Interior Minister Khaled Nouri, and Trade Minister Samir Abid, Saïed emphasized the need to address the sharp increase in prices and disguised monopolies.

Saïed specifically highlighted the issue of date palm products, where farmers are not receiving fair compensation for their produce. Despite the hard work and risks involved in harvesting dates, farmers are only paid around one dinar per kilogram. The President also denounced parties that are deliberately obstructing the distribution of fertilizers and seeds, exacerbating difficulties for farmers and threatening production.

The President accused certain individuals, referred to as "barons," of controlling the market and manipulating prices for their own gain. He stated that these actions create artificial scarcity, leading to inflated prices that negatively impact citizens. Saïed emphasized that true freedom requires transparency, justice, and fairness, and that monopolies, speculation, and exploitation must be eradicated.

Saïed also addressed the issue of waste collection, ordering that it be carried out regularly to prevent accumulation. He criticized parties that exploit such situations to fuel social tensions, describing their actions as vile. The President assured that the Tunisian people have already rejected such practices and will continue to combat them.

The President stressed that those responsible for these practices must be held accountable, and that the law applies to everyone equally, without exception. He emphasized that no individual, regardless of their position, enjoys immunity, and that citizens have the right to live with dignity. Saïed also stated that those who have sought to divide the state, undermine social unity, and suppress free thought have no place in Tunisia's future.

Saïed's comments come as Tunisia faces economic challenges, with rising prices and concerns over the availability of essential goods. The President's stance has been seen as a move to address the concerns of Tunisian citizens, who have been affected by the economic situation. The government's response to Saïed's directives remains to be seen.

The issue of monopolies and price manipulation is not new in Tunisia, with previous governments also grappling with these challenges. Saïed's government has made efforts to address these issues, but the impact remains to be seen. The President's emphasis on accountability and transparency is seen as a step towards addressing the concerns of citizens and promoting economic stability.

Key points

• Tunisian President Kais Saïed has ordered his government to take action against rising prices and monopolies.
• The President has warned those responsible for manipulating markets will face consequences.
• Saïed emphasized the need for transparency, justice, and fairness in the economy.