International financial agencies are pressuring Tunisian authorities to name the government party that will negotiate with them, reminding them of the reforms that they have been calling for, for years now, to continue to support the economy.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have expressed readiness to continue to support the Tunisian economy and provide the necessary funding.
However, they have demanded pledges that the authorities will carry out economic reforms after a new government is formed.
Ferid Belhaj, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, stressed after meeting President Kais Saied and other officials that the economic situation in the country is critical and challenging.
Several experts economic and financial said the IMF is demanding the appointment of a prime minister and formation of an economy-centric government before October.
Tunisia’s economy has lurched from crisis to crisis since the country’s 2011 revolution, most recently due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures.
It is the fourth time in a decade the heavily indebted country has turned to the IMF for help.
The small North African nation’s foreign debt load has soared to 100 billion dinars ($36 billion), equivalent to 100% of GDP, and Tunisia faces debt payments of 4.5 billion euros ($5.42 billion) this year.
The IMF expects the country will see GDP growth of 3.8% this year, after an unprecedented 8.9% contraction in 2020.
