International pressure compounds Tunisian economic crisis
There are international and local concerns over the political and economic situation in Tunisia, which is hoping for a deal with the IMF in return for implementing reforms that are rejected by the powerful UGTT labor union.
TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisia’s efforts to obtain a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to deal with its deteriorating economic crisis may be hindered by the growing international criticism against President Kais Saied’s recent measures, which are seen as a way to cement his one-man rule.
In remarks to the House Appropriations Committee on April 28, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Tunisia needs to address concerns about its democracy if it wants to garner much-needed international economic support.
He stressed that Tunisia must first proceed with the parliamentary elections promised to be held at the end of the year.
Tunisia is seeking a loan package from the IMF as it grapples with an economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced the GDP growth by more than 8% in 2020.
