Summary:

On 14 February 2024, President Kais Saied promised significant action targeting corruption, particularly within Tunisia’s public institutions. 

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The announcement came during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Carthage with President Saied directing his comments to Minister of Justice Leila Jaffel and Minster of Finance Sihem Nemsia. The President’s comments referred to those profiting from corruption as a “swarm of locusts” and promised action to counter them. 

The President encouraged the accelerated formation of the Criminal Conciliation Committee and a separate Penal Conciliation Committee to facilitate the recovery of state assets and resources. 

The President’s comments come as additional arrests were announced in the corruption investigation targeting the El Fouladh steel company which operates primarily in Bizerte. Warrants were issued for two company officials while several dozen more were named, but have yet to have warrants issued for their arrest. 

Outlook: 

Corruption remains a significant challenge to economic and social progress in Tunisia, with much of the corruption stemming from state-managed institutions at the local, regional, and national levels.  

Meanwhile, corruption remains a primary target of President Kais Saied’s rhetoric that garners broad support from Tunisians who are frustrated with corruption and inefficiency at the many touchpoints with public institutions required by daily life. 

With the El Fouladh firm serving as an emblematic case, the administration is likely seeking to send a message to the sprawling public sector that waste and corruption risks being put on public display. 

The impact of structural and legislative changes remains to be seen, but the administration is likely succeeding in putting officials on notice about the potential consequences of engaging in corrupt practices. 

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