Tunisia: Kaïs Saïed's time trial on the political and economic fronts
A whole section of the Tunisian economy has been in stagnation for months.
Here in the Medina, July 27, 2021. REUTERS - JIHED ABIDELLAOUI
Text by: RFI Follow
5 mins
Last Sunday, President Kaïs Saïed sacked his Prime Minister, froze the work of the National Assembly for 30 days and lifted the immunity of deputies.
A week after Tunisia if the president has not yet appointed a new Prime Minister, Kaïs Saïed has however been very active, while the economic horizon remains blocked and the epidemic is progressing.
Publicity
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With our special
correspondent in Tunis,
Charlotte Cosset
First, the president sacked part of the government administration: his secretary general, as well as the chief of staff of the prime minister and his advisers.
Other personalities were thanked such as the president of the General Committee of Martyrs and Wounded of the Revolution or the Director General of Tunisian television.
The Head of State has throughout the week met with the components of civil society: union of workers, journalists, judicial council and even women's organization. Meetings which were the occasion to pass a certain number of messages. Especially after having received the employers. 460 businessmen accused of embezzlement are in his sights. He called on entrepreneurs to invest in the least developed regions of the country.
Finally, Kaïs Saïed was very active in terms of diplomacy.
He met the Algerian and Saudi foreign ministers at the Carthage palace.
He also had a telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State.
The international community has multiplied this week the calls for respect for democracy and the rule of law in Tunisia.
Another front of activity for the Tunisian president, the Covid.
Several measures have been taken this week, and a large quantity of vaccines and medical equipment has been received.
► Also read:
On the front page: in Tunisia, Kaïs Saïed hyperactive and (visibly) popular
The traders in trouble
Alas, at the same time, Tunisia is also undergoing a serious economic crisis. The depression of the dinar and the public debt which amounts to about 7% of its GDP, severely burden the wallets of Tunisians. The Covid-19 crisis also had big impacts on various economic activities and tourism, which represents more than 10% of GDP. Small traders find it difficult to cope.
In this small pizzeria in Bardo, only one customer at the start of the afternoon.
It has been like this for weeks.
Bashir no longer has a choice.
The restaurant will close.
“
We can't pay the suppliers.
It's been going on for a year and a half because of the Covid.
And there with what happens they closed all the streets around our restaurant.
We can't even pay the electricity bills.
What we earn, we share it between us… We live from day to day.
"
In the Medina, the same observation.
There is no crowd.
Mohamed Ali is seated, patiently waiting for the client.
A little further Abd Satar says he has lost 70% of his turnover.
He owns his shop.
Not all are so lucky.
“
There are already artisans who have closed their shops.
Those who rented a small shop decided to go out of business.
They can no longer pay their rent.
"
The pandemic has had a direct impact on tourism.
The president announced new restrictions on Friday: a seven-day self-isolation for people coming from abroad ...
► Read also:
Faced with the surge of Covid-19, Tunisia calls for international help
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Tunisia
Kaïs Saïed