The Tunisian Dinar certainly will be no exception and break with the decline recorded since the Revolution to the point that we do not expect too much from an economy that is not yet ready to start recovering.
The composition of the national unity government as announced last Saturday by Prime Minister-designate Youssef Chahed continues to spark considerable controversy, especially after Wednesday’s announcement by Chahed to keep unchanged the new cabinet. The new government is not only criticized by politicians but also by economists. Houcine Dimassi, economic expert and former finance minister, is among those who have continued to warn of the formation of such a government.
A heterogeneous government!
In his interview to African Manager on Thursday, August 25, 2016, he said the government of Chahed is a heterogeneous government that may push even more the country into its dramatic mistakes. The country has to implement urgently a number of rescue reforms, affecting in particular the pace of economic growth, public finances, the social security system, the banking system and the main public companies.
“These reforms require much foresight, perseverance, courage and great ability to convince, as they are likely to question some interests. However, this rainbow government is by no means able to achieve these vital reforms,” he said.
Houcine Dimassi has, in the same vein, said the government of Chahed will suffer the failures of Essid’s government , but amplified, in view, in particular, of the heterogeneity of the government team: a catch-all of a dozen political parties, three national organizations and a parcel of civil society. “This medley of currents could contribute to freeze the action of this government,” he assured.
Dimassi also stressed the lack of strategy or even political, social and economic program. “The
‘Carthage Document” is a series of vague general points which does not constitute a limited clear and precise program. It is a total submission to the demands and desires of political parties and trade unions “, says Dimassi.
A helpless government!
Asked about his opinion regarding the new government of Youssef Chahed, Dimassi said it is a powerless government in the face of the enormous political, economic and social challenges severely shaken the country. “Instead of thinking of a real government team of combat and action, homogeneous, neutral and efficient, it sank into narrow political calculations, often provoked and supported by foreign influences,” he argued.
On the fate of the new government, the former Minister of Finance pointed out in a recent statement to African Manager that this national unity government would be worse than that of Essid. He said the present government has failed for several reasons, including the lack of program and inconsistent pseudo-actions, especially the blatant submission to demagogic desires of parties and trade unions. The mosaic of national unity government could only make things worse.
He, However, considered that the only salvation for the country, which can help a little bit to emerge from this spiral lies in a rescue government fully autonomous from political parties and trade unions. He specified, in this regard, that the government should have a specific and circumscribed program of reforms, ones that are sometimes painful but absolutely necessary.
