Tunis:The Parliament began its examination of the draft State budget for 2027, which amounts to TND 82.402 billion, showing an increase of 3.6% compared to the previous year. The budget is designed to align with the 2026-2030 Development Plan, focusing on investment enhancement, reinforcing the State's social responsibilities, and improving financial stability.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the joint plenary session was held at the Bardo Palace, attended by Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri and several government officials, along with the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) and the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD).
Prime Minister Zenzri outlined the main points of the 2027 draft State Budget and Finance Act, which adhere to the 2026-2030 Development Plan as well as national priorities set by President Kais Saied. These priorities include reducing regional disparities, promoting decent work, and ensuring citizens' dignity through a sustainable and competitive economy that generates wealth and consolidates a welfare state based on justice and equity.
The draft budget emphasizes six key areas enhancing public and private investment, strengthening the State's social role, improving economic integration, and ensuring access to fundamental rights such as healthcare, education, transport, and housing. Policies also focus on food, water, and energy security, environmental protection, public enterprise support, tax justice reinforcement, and informal sector integration.
ARP Speaker Brahim Bouderbala emphasized the importance of reducing the budget deficit, prioritizing domestic revenue, and minimizing borrowing while maintaining financial stability. He noted the challenges of balancing the State's needs with its social responsibilities, investment stimulation, tax burden reduction, and support for vulnerable groups amid public finance pressures and international economic fluctuations.
CNRD Speaker Imed Derbali highlighted the significance of the session as a vital stage in the constitutional and institutional process, allowing for discussions on the State's economic and social choices. He stressed the need for proposals and recommendations to enhance public policies, mobilize state resources, and direct expenditure towards prioritized, productive investments and social programs impacting citizens.
The joint plenary sessions for reviewing the draft State Budget are scheduled to continue from November 10 to 25.