(3 Minutes Read)
During a joint session convened on October 28, the Finance and Budget Committee of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People (ARP) and the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Council of Regions reviewed the progress of Tunisia’s public finances. The Minister of Finance presented a comprehensive report detailing the State Budget execution up to the end of September 2025, along with projections for the remainder of the fiscal year.
According to the minister’s presentation, state revenues increased by 6.9% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a 7.6% rise in tax revenues, reflecting improved tax collection and compliance, as well as a 13.6% surge in non-tax revenues, which included higher proceeds from state-owned enterprises and other public resources.
On the expenditure side, public spending grew by 2.7%, largely due to increases in wage expenditures, subsidy allocations, and social intervention programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. However, the minister noted that operating costs, development spending, and financing charges showed a downward trend, contributing to better expenditure management and budgetary discipline.
The minister also reported that the repayment rate of public debt service had reached 79.1% by the end of September, indicating steady progress in meeting financial obligations.Looking ahead, the minister presented the main budgetary forecasts for 2025, encompassing expected levels of revenues, expenditures, the budget deficit, and its financing sources. She clarified the government’s fiscal strategy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining credibility in financial commitments and ensuring sustainable public debt management.
In response to a proposal advocating for the cancellation of Tunisia’s external debt, inspired by certain international precedents, the Minister of Finance firmly rejected the notion, stating that such a measure would constitute a violation of the State’s commitments. She affirmed that Tunisia is not facing any immediate difficulties in honoring its debt obligations. Instead, the government is prioritizing debt rescheduling initiatives and debt-to-project conversion mechanisms, particularly in strategic sectors such as agriculture and other key areas of the national economy.
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The minister further disclosed detailed figures for public debt service in 2025, projected to reach 19,532 million dinars (MD). This total includes 8,725 MD for external debt and 10,808 MD for domestic debt, broken down into 14,861 MD in principal repayments and 4,671 MD in interest payments. Through these measures and fiscal adjustments, the Ministry of Finance aims to strengthen macroeconomic stability, enhance public financial management, and foster sustainable economic growth in Tunisia.
