Salary Increases for Thousands of Tunisians on the Horizon
In the coming weeks, thousands of Tunisians can expect a salary increase. With wage revaluation, pension hikes, and adjustments adopted by the government and social partners, a cautious optimism is blowing over the purchasing power of Tunisians. The question remains whether these measures will be enough to compensate for the persistent inflation.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Tunisian Budgets
The government, in consultation with the UGTT and several social organizations, is preparing a series of salary increases and pension adjustments. The goal is to strengthen purchasing power, which has been put to the test for several years. According to initial information, the increases will target public sector employees, retirees from the CNSS and CNRPS, as well as certain vulnerable categories. Discussions are underway for a revaluation of between 5 and 10% depending on income brackets, with an expected entry into force at the beginning of next year. For retirees, an automatic update of pensions is also being considered, linked to the evolution of the SMIG and inflation.
A Measure in a Tense Economic Context
This measure comes in a tense economic context. Inflation is still around 7 to 8%, weakening households' ability to cover their essential expenses. The rise in food prices, transportation, and services has heavily weighed on households with fixed incomes. For many Tunisians, every dinar counts.
Financing the Increases without Increasing the Public Deficit
The authorities assure that these increases will be financed without further increasing the public deficit, thanks to a readjustment of expenses and a progressive improvement in tax revenues. However, several economists remain cautious: without a comprehensive strategy including price stabilization, support for SMEs, and a relaunch of local production, salary increases could have only a temporary effect.
Mixed Reactions from Citizens
On the citizens' side, reactions oscillate between relief and skepticism. While the increase in salaries and pensions is perceived as a positive measure, many wonder about its real impact in the face of continued inflation. "We hope it won't just be a figure on paper," confides a retiree from the southern suburbs of Tunis.
A Signal of Hope for Millions of Tunisians
Still, this revaluation constitutes an encouraging signal for millions of Tunisians. A glimmer of hope, in a period where the purchasing power/inflation equation remains one of the country's major challenges.
