Latest news with #Tunisie
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Tunisia: Head of State calls for urgent legal frameworks to protect healthcare workers' rights
TUNIS - President Kais Saied emphasised during his meeting Tuesday, at the Carthage Palace, with Minister of Health, Mustapha Farjani, the necessity of urgently establishing a new legal system that preserves the rights of doctors, paramedical staff and workers and safeguards their dignity. According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the Head of State noted that Tunisia takes pride in graduates from medical schools, stating that it has a school whose graduates shine all over the world. A clear indication of this is the large number of doctors and paramedical staff who have gone abroad for work. "Even the most prestigious medical schools in the world do not hesitate to invite our best professionals to work with them," he was quoted as saying in the statement. The President of the Republic explained that Tunisia is, in fact, lending to many countries in ways that are priceless, beyond valuation in either Tunisian or foreign currencies. He stated that Tunisia is the one doing the lending, yet it still needs to borrow due to domestic conditions that have accumulated over decades, and because many countries abroad rely on our skilled professionals. So, he asked: who is really lending to whom? The Head of State pointed out that work is ongoing on all fronts, including the health sector, stressing the citizen's right to health and the urgent need to take measures while awaiting the reconstruction of this public facility across all regions of the republic. This constitutional right, indeed a human right, must be realised as soon as possible in practice. The President of the Republic also addressed the role played by several doctors in Tunisia during the national movement in the liberation struggle for independence, such as Dr. Habib Thameur, Ahmed Ben Miled, who was known as the doctor of the poor, and Sliman Ben Sliman, who not only joined the national liberation movement but also supported all liberation movements worldwide. Additionally, Tawhida Ben Cheikh was described as the doctor of the poor alongside her role in founding the Social Relief Association, establishing an orphanage and another for women, among many others. Furthermore, those who established the Faculty of Medicine in Tunisia in the early 1960s left their positions abroad and returned to Tunisia to be the first nucleus of the Tunisian medical school. President Kais Saied concluded by affirming that public health will recover, and patients in Tunisia will receive all necessary care and support. He reiterated his firm stance that many economic and social issues must be addressed through a comprehensive national approach. He emphasised that for those who have caused harm and for those whose hearts still harbor ill intentions, the remedy lies in new legislation, frameworks imbued with a spirit of patriotism and fair accountability. No other remedy will work for those corrupted by a decaying system concerned only with creating crises and oppressing citizens. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: Development plan 2026–2030 completed at local level (S-G of Economy Ministry)
Tunis – The 2026/2030 development plan, drawn up within a new institutional framework, had been completed at the local level, while the regional component is expected to be finalised within a month, Secretary General of the Economy and Planning Ministry Faouzi Ghrab revealed. In an interview at TAP studio, Ghrab pointed out that the plan had been drawn up on the basis of a relationship between the local and central levels, explaining that this approach had not been adopted in previous plans, which had focused on a central system presenting development proposals and guidelines. The 2026/2030 plan is part of a political and institutional framework based on the concept of 'construction and edification' and based on the realisation of the Constitution's goals, notably the social role of the State and self-reliance, while giving importance to local and regional aspects in the proposal of development policies, he said. The National Council of Regions and Districts, which is the second chamber of parliament, has prerogatives in terms of drawing up and adopting development plans, the official underlined. The role of the ministries and public authorities in drawing up the plan is to provide support, training and the necessary tools, he specified. As regards the progress made in drawing up the plan, the Secretary General indicated that his department is endeavouring to meet the deadlines set out in the circular issued by the Prime Ministry. He pointed out that the 2026/2030 plan is based on a bottom-up process, giving local and regional councils an important role in proposing and implementing the plan. In its contribution to the development of the plan, each council goes through three stages: the diagnosis of the development situation, the identification of problems and the establishment of lists of priorities or projects, he explained. Reports are then submitted to the regional councils, which must in turn submit a summary report by July 22, he further explained. The emphasis is laid on proposing feasible projects based on data and technical studies, he pointed out, adding that the ministry provides project data sheets to facilitate the proposal process by the local councils. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Tunisia: Persistent pollution in Gulf of Monastir, FTDES reiterates call for environmental state of emergency
Tunis – The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) on Thursday reiterated its call to declare a state of environmental emergency and to take urgent, medium- and long-term measures to save ecosystems and production chains in the Gulf of Monastir. Noting the persistence of domestic and industrial pollution from the wastewater treatment plants of the National Office of Sanitation (ONAS) and factories at the Sayada-Lamta-Bouhjar station, the foul odours emanating from them, the death of numerous marine species (fish, crabs, etc.) and the yellowing of the sea in this area, the FTDES called for this 'hemorrhage,' which has been going on for more than 20 years, to be stopped. The forum also recalled the ordeal of the inhabitants of the towns of the Gulf of Monastir, particularly those of Ksibet el-Médiouni, Lamta and Sayada, denouncing the authorities' laissez-faire attitude towards the pollution generated by the Sayada-Lamta-Bouhjar treatment plant, which has been out of service for many years, causing serious environmental, economic and social consequences. The FTDES further pointed out that agreements reached with civil society, notably those regarding the shutdown of the plant and its conversion into a pumping station, have not been implemented, sparking protests and widespread discontent among Gulf communities. Emphasising the right of residents to a healthy environment, the Forum urged the environmental authorities to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and to stop the pollution, demanding that all those responsible for these environmental violations be held accountable. The FTDES considered that the lack of political will to resolve the pollution problem in the Gulf of Monastir will reinforce social unrest, exacerbate feelings of injustice and exclusion, and undermine citizens' confidence in state institutions and their ability to protect fundamental rights. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Tunisia: Prime Minister announces launch of unified digital platform to track public project progress
Tunis - Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri announced during a Cabinet meeting held at the Government Palace in Kasbah Saturday the launch of a unified digital platform to monitor the real-time progress of public projects. The platform will feature a dashboard to measure completion rates and establish a timeline to accelerate implementation. During the meeting, dedicated to tracking the advancement of public projects across Tunisia's governorates, Zaâfrani emphasised a significant shift in the monitoring of infrastructure and public service projects. She stated that this issue would become a core priority for the Prime Ministry, guided by a new, nationwide approach aimed at boosting public investment as a driver for private investment, increasing economic growth, and ensuring economic and social equity. Zaâfrani also announced that, for the first time in Tunisia, the 2026–2030 national development plan would be developed using a bottom-up participatory approach. Project proposals will originate from local councils, then move to regional, district councils and finally national levels. According to a Prime Ministry statement, the meeting reviewed progress across multiple development sectors, including health, transport, education, infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, industry, mining, and energy with special focus on industrial zone development projects and establishment of solar power stations. Additional sectors reviewed included integrated development, social, environmental, tourism, commercial affairs, vocational training, employment, higher education, scientific research, youth, sports, culture and others. In response to delays affecting many development projects, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to streamline public administration in line with national policy. Zenzri stressed the need for every official in the administration to fulfill their assigned role as required, to monitor daily on the ground all projects under their responsibility, and to take full accountability while working to resolve most issues promptly without any delay. She emphasised that anyone who neglects their duty in serving citizens will be held accountable. The PM urged the adoption of forward-looking and proactive approaches to handling key public service challenges, especially those impacting daily life, such as drinking water supply interruptions and power outages across several regions, particularly during holidays and other celebrations. She also highlighted the critical role of governors, delegates and local officials in promptly resolving issues and removing obstacles in order to meet citizens' expectations. She called on all government representatives to double their efforts and remain fully engaged in monitoring all matters related to public service delivery. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
05-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: Launch of business competitveness support and citizens economic empowerment programme announced
Tunis - Minister of Employment and Vocational Training Riadh Chaoued announced on Wednesday in Tunis the launch of a programme to support business competitiveness and the economic empowerment of citizens through job creation. While presiding over the signing of an agreement with the Tunisian Solidarity Bank, the Minister explained that the programme is financed by a €90 million loan agreed between Tunisia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in September 2024. It aims to contribute to job creation and support economic and social integration by improving the employability of job seekers and developing their skills through complementary training and entrepreneurship support. It will also support the establishment of a self-employment system and develop and support institutional capacities to improve governance of employment, training and support programmes. He explained that the programme consists of several elements, most notably an agreement with the Tunisian Solidarity Bank providing approximately €50 million in funding to establish around 13,000 enterprises between 2025 and 2027. He added: 'The programme is ambitious and has important social and economic dimensions. It aims to support enterprises and empower citizens economically by creating decent jobs', emphasising that the Ministry is adopting a new results-based approach to its work. The Minister of Employment explained that funding is now conditional on achieving specific indicators relating to complementary training, self-employment and the establishment of enterprises. He warned that if these targets are not met, the funds will not be transferred. He pointed out that this new approach stems from past lessons, when Tunisia suffered from loans that were misused or simply consumed, and explained that the current vision is based on only resorting to loans if they are directed towards achieving concrete development goals. The Minister of Employment said the programme to support the competitiveness of enterprises and the economic empowerment of citizens is not only for new enterprises, but also for existing enterprises that are experiencing difficulties and require financing or equipment to continue their activities and preserve jobs. He added that the conditions for accessing financing are favourable, as project initiators are not required to provide self-financing and will not be charged interest on loans for up to 19 years. He said he believed that these and other incentives will encourage young people and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, whether new or existing, to start afresh or expand their activities. The minister announced that the programme will launch on June 16 and those wishing to apply for funding can submit their applications to the Tunisian Solidarity Bank and its regional branches. He added that the ministry is working to ensure the first batch of enterprises will receive funding in the same week. 'The types of projects will be open to all fields, and it is important that they be economically viable and capable of creating or preserving jobs,' Chouaed underscored, noting that new projects or business expansions may include agriculture, industry, services, cultural industries, and more. The minister emphasised that the new direction of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training reflects a shift in its role. It is no longer solely concerned with traditional training and employment; it has also become a direct supporter of the economic fabric by financing small and medium-sized enterprises and creating job opportunities. He explained that this change is due to the commitment to the July 25, 2022 constitution, which considers work to be a constitutional right. In conclusion, he said, 'We work within the framework of the comprehensive state policy outlined by the President of the Republic, and we strive to play an active role in building a true social state where employment, production, and support for free enterprise are at the heart of national priorities.' Director General of the Tunisian Solidarity Bank, Khelifa Sboui, explained that the programme aims to support vulnerable groups, particularly young people, graduates and women. Priority will be given to social and environmentally friendly projects. He revealed that the programme provides financing of up to 200,000 dinars and aims to create 13,000 projects. Financing is available for equipment and working capital, and the programme offers flexible conditions and special incentives for women and rural residents. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
