Tunisia’s President, Kais Saïed, has called for urgent measures to break the deadlock stalling key public infrastructure projects across the country, accusing some actors of deliberately obstructing their progress.
Speaking at the Carthage Palace on Wednesday during a meeting with the Minister of Equipment and Housing, Slah Zouari, the Head of State reviewed the status of several projects, including hospitals and road networks in interior regions.
The president expressed frustration over delays that, in his view, are not the result of bureaucratic inefficiency but of intentional manoeuvres designed to paralyse development.
“Several public projects have been left blocked, their feasibility studies dragging on for years, only to return to square one, despite funds already being allocated,” President Saïed stated.
“This situation, which is completely unacceptable, must end immediately.”
He criticised the systemic inertia and warned against the ineffective cycle of replacing failing officials with inexperienced individuals, although he expressed confidence in Tunisia’s youth.
“Those who do not yet have experience will eventually acquire it,” he said, highlighting the readiness of young graduates to contribute to what he described as the country’s “battle for national liberation” and the “irreversible process of building a new Tunisia.”
During the meeting, the president also emphasised the government’s plans to develop new residential neighbourhoods under a lease-purchase mechanism. He underscored the importance of making housing affordable for beneficiaries while ensuring accessibility to essential amenities for daily living.
Saïed’s remarks reflect growing public frustration over stalled infrastructure programmes seen as vital to boosting regional development, improving health services, and easing social inequalities. His renewed push aims to accelerate the completion of long-delayed projects and restore public confidence in the state’s ability to deliver on its promises.
About The Author
