Coronavirus: Tunisia takes measures to support the economy

Avenue Bourguiba in Tunis is deserted on March 22, 2020. The country has entered general confinement to combat the spread of the coronavirus. REUTERS / Zoubeir Souissi

Text by: RFI Follow

After the establishment of a night curfew and general confinement, Tunisia has now banned gatherings of more than three people in public space. The latest assessment reports three deaths and 75 confirmed cases. To ensure the continuity of essential services, 1.5 million people out of 12 million Tunisians are allowed to work. And the head of government announced strong measures to support the economy.

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With our correspondent in Tunis, Michel Picard

In Tunisia, 2.5 billion dinars, the equivalent of 800 million euros, will be released in an attempt to reduce the economic and social impact of the health crisis . The reimbursement of bank loans is deferred for those whose income does not exceed 1,000 dinars (315 euros) per month. Electricity, water and telephone cannot be cut, even in the event of unpaid invoices.

Special bonuses will be granted to the most vulnerable people. Measures to support corporate cash flow will be put in place such as the deferral of monthly loan payments, payment of taxes from April 1, but also social charges and taxes.

Support fund for companies in difficulty

Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh also announced the creation of a special support fund for businesses in difficulty to enable them to recover more quickly after the crisis. Medicines, fuels and food stocks are reinforced thanks to an exceptional envelope of 500 million dinars.

Many workers in the informal economy, a sector that accounts for half of the gross domestic product (GDP), may however be forced to work for a living. Speculators profiting from the crisis will face prosecution for war crimes. Now, the government must receive the approval of Parliament to promulgate the decrees implementing these emergency measures.

► Read also: In Tunisia, it's the garlic rush to protect oneself from the coronavirus

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  • Tunisia
  • Coronavirus
  • Health and Medicine

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