Tunisia-Chkoundali:“Public institutions deviated from their social role, and citizen bears financial deficit in a double way” [Video]

Speaking to Tunisie Numérique, Economic specialist Ridha Chkoundali stressed that, the primary goal of establishing state-owned companies and public institutions is to protect Tunisian citizen. These entities were set up to provide services, such as drinking water, electricity, and public transportation, at costs aligned with the purchasing power of the citizens. Nevertheless, over time, standards changed, and citizens confronted escalating prices for these essential services.

Chkoundali  clarified that the original social role of these public institutions shifted due to the pursuit of gains and privileges, especially financial benefits for many executives, employees, and workers, eased by unions such as the Tunisian General Labor Union. Corruption within these institutions further aggravated the situation, causing the cost of services borne by citizens to double.

He highlighted that Tunisians now pay not only for the services but also for state support to fund these loss-making institutions. This has resulted in exorbitant bills, such as electricity bills, associated with corruption and mismanagement of public funds, making the situation disastrous.

To overcome these crises and mitigate the disruption of financial balances caused by these institutions, the economist proposed a case-by-case approach and comprehensive studies to understand how these entities were profitable in the past and the reasons leading to their current financial deficits.