Kais Saïed demands social reforms to reduce poverty in Tunisia

President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, met today, Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Carthage Palace, Kamel Madouri, Minister of Social Affairs. During this meeting, several critical subjects were examined, including the role of the State in the social field, an imperative duty dictated by popular aspirations and the Constitution, in harmony with the policies applied in other fields.

President Saïed emphasised that these different sectors must work in a coherent and complementary manner to accomplish the ultimate purpose of justice, equity and the eradication of poverty and misery.

Among the topics discussed was the automatic adjustment of pension payments for the public and private sectors. The president recommended speeding up the increase in guaranteed minimum salaries and allowances for needy families. He likewise insisted on the increase in the guaranteed industrial minimum wage and disability pensions granted by the National Health Insurance Fund as part of the insurance system against work accidents and occupational diseases.

President Saïed explained that these increases would help decrease poverty rates, but they must be accompanied by complementary measures and periodic increases to lower social inequalities and guarantee a dignified life for every citizen. According to the Constitution, every citizen has the right to employment and a fair wage, as well as prevention and health care and social coverage.

The president also called for a rapid examination of several legislative texts, in particular those relating to social security, fixed-term contracts and temporary work, described as disguised forms of servitude and exploitation of human labor.