Tunisian president meets prime minister to discuss social, economic situation

Tunisia’s President, Beji Caid Essebsi, received Monday at the Carthage Palace, prime minister-designate Youssef Chahed to review the government’s performance and assess the growing unrest in the country.

Chahed revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had reacted favourably to the progress achieved by reform programs in the administrative and public sectors.  The meeting also addressed government plans for this summer’s tourist season and for the holy month of Ramadan.

Read: Protesters in southern Tunisia demand jobs, development

However, Secretary-General of the Tunisian Labour Union (UGTT), Noureddine Tabboui, said the meeting focused on the rise in social tension in the provinces and the impact of the current political instability on the country.  Several Tunisian provinces in the north, west, centre and south are protesting against poor economic conditions and lack of economic development.

As a matter of national interest, in-depth consultations between all parties are required to find workable solutions to the country’s main concerns, including unemployment,

Tabboui said.

The Tunisian Union for Industry, Trade and Handicraft have also backed calls for opposition parties and signatories of the Carthage Agreement to meet the prime minister for urgent talks to discuss the social and economic conditions in the country.