Tunisia-[Audio]Ridha Chkoundali: Kais Saied seems to be aware that Tunisia needs the IMF

Speaking to Tunisie Numérique, professor of economics Ridha Chkoundali said that a single meeting took place between IMF officials and Tunisian officials, including BCT governor Maouane Abbasi.

The meeting took place on November 4, he added. According to the expert, it would be extremely likely that the administration would request Abbassi to organize such a meeting to know the IMF’s position in relation to the draft finance law for the year 2022, which made the object of criticism from many economists.

Concerning the social reforms to be undertaken, Chkoundali said the IMF is more interested in how these reformations will be carried out than in the purpose of the changes. Indeed, the donor has expressed the significance it attaches to consultation between the different political actors.

Ridha Chkoundali said that before the Mechichi government, deals with the IMF were signed by the prime minister and the finance minister. During Mechichi’s time, the IMF additionally required the signature of certain organizations, prominently the UGTT, and even of certain partner countries.

Under the current circumstances, the donor will surely require other conditions, especially in the context of the state of emergency, he said.

According to the expert, the President of the Republic appears to be aware that Tunisia needs funding, consequently the change of speech and the announcement of the imminent end of exceptional measures. The head of state plus seems to realize that it is not possible to draft a finance law without knowing what the IMF thinks about it, which is a good thing, he added.

The economist also emphasised that the State will probably be forced to resort to certain painful measures, viewing that the President of the Republic will be in a delicate position, to say the least, particularly since he had promised his supporters to improve their purchasing power, lower prices and fight against anti-competitive practices.