Saïed’s Unyielding Commitment to Realizing a Social Vision for Tunisia – The Press of Tunisia

President Solidifies Support for Community Enterprises with New Decree-Law

The President of the Republic is moving forward with a key component of his socioeconomic project: the establishment of community companies. This initiative is proceeding despite substantial resistance from various parties, and has been bolstered by a recently enacted decree aimed at simplifying procedures and fostering growth.

New Regulations Published

Details of the amendment, decided by the head of state, were officially released on October 3, 2025, through the official journal of the Republic. Decree-law n° 2025-3 introduces extensive reforms designed to reshape the governance of these businesses. The new legislation offers a range of incentives, including financial and land-related benefits, to encourage participation in this favored socioeconomic model.

Two Models for Community Enterprises

Under the new rules,community companies will operate in two distinct forms. Local companies require a minimum of ten participants all residing within the same delegation. Regional entities will necessitate fifteen participants drawn from multiple delegations within the same governorate. The required starting capital has been set at 5,000 dinars for local ventures and 10,000 dinars for regional ones.

Centralized Registration and Oversight

A core innovation of the decree-law involves the creation of a national registry for these companies. Management of this registry will fall under the duty of the relevant ministerial department. Registration will be compulsory for legal recognition, with the tax identification number serving as the unique identifier. A dedicated electronic platform will streamline the creation, updating, and administrative monitoring of all registered companies.

Enhanced Governance and Openness

To bolster transparency and accountability, each community company will be administered by an elected council. Council membership will vary based on the company’s type (local or regional), and individuals will be prohibited from holding similar positions in multiple companies concurrently.

Unprecedented Incentives

Observers are characterizing the array of incentives outlined in the decree-law as “unprecedented.” These include a ten-year exemption from taxes and levies, suspension of Value Added Tax (VAT), access to preferential banking rates with funding guaranteed by the National Guarantee Fund.Furthermore, the legislation grants priority access to state-owned agricultural land, non-agricultural public buildings, rights to manage non-timber forest resources, and opportunities to operate collective transport services.

With President Kaïs Saïed’s signature, this decree-law signifies a firm commitment to building a robust foundation for community enterprises, positioning them as a vital engine for socioeconomic progress and enduring development across the nation.

Company Type	Minimum Participants	Minimum capital (Dinars)
Local	10 (same delegation)	5,000
Regional	15 (multiple delegations)	10,000

Did You Know? Community enterprises,also known as social enterprises,are gaining traction globally as a means of addressing social and economic challenges while promoting local development.

Pro Tip: Thoroughly research the legal requirements and available support programs before establishing a community enterprise to maximize your chances of success.

What challenges do you foresee in the implementation of this new decree-law?

How could these community enterprises contribute to reducing regional economic disparities?

The Rise of Community Enterprises Globally

The concept of community enterprises is not unique to this region. Across Europe and North America, similar models are gaining prominence, driven by a desire for localized economic resilience and social impact. According to a Social Enterprise UK report from 2024, the sector contributes billions to the UK economy and employs millions of people. These businesses demonstrate the potential for blending profit with purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Community Enterprises

• What is a community enterprise? A community enterprise is a business that prioritizes social and environmental impact alongside financial profit.
• what are the benefits of starting a community enterprise? the benefits include promoting local economic development, creating jobs, and addressing social needs.
• What is Decree-law n° 2025-3? It’s a new law providing incentives and streamlining regulations for community enterprises.
• What types of incentives are offered? These include tax exemptions, preferential loans, and access to land and resources.
• How will the national registry work? The registry will centralize details and oversight of all registered community enterprises.
• What is the role of the elected council? The council will be responsible for the administration and management of each company.
• Where can I find more information about these new regulations? Refer to the official Journal of the Republic and relevant ministerial websites.

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How do Saïed’s decentralization policies aim to address historical inequalities in Tunisia?

The Core Tenets of Saïed’s Social Project

Sence assuming office, President Kais Saïed has consistently articulated a vision for Tunisia centered on social justice, economic equity, and a return to core Tunisian values. This isn’t merely political rhetoric; analysis of his policies and public statements reveals a deeply held commitment to reshaping Tunisian society. Key elements of this social vision include:

* Decentralization: Empowering local governance structures to address regional disparities and citizen needs more effectively. This aims to move away from a highly centralized system inherited from the French colonial period.

* Combating Corruption: Positioning the fight against corruption as central to achieving social justice and restoring public trust in institutions. Operation Clean Hands, initiated in early 2023, exemplifies this commitment.

* Economic Reform: Prioritizing policies that benefit marginalized communities and reduce economic inequality. This includes initiatives focused on job creation, especially for youth, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

* Cultural Revival: Promoting Tunisian cultural identity and heritage as a unifying force and a source of national pride. This involves supporting Tunisian artists, preserving historical sites, and promoting the arabic language.

The Role of the Tunisian Press in Reflecting and Shaping the Narrative

the Tunisian press, historically a vibrant force for political and social change, plays a crucial role in both reflecting and shaping public perception of Saïed’s social project. Though, its coverage has been complex and frequently enough polarized.

Early Support and Subsequent Scrutiny

Initially, many Tunisian media outlets offered cautious support for Saïed’s initial moves, particularly his anti-corruption efforts. The public’s widespread frustration with the political and economic status quo created a receptive environment for his message. However, as Saïed consolidated power through constitutional amendments and decrees, critical voices within the press began to emerge.

Challenges to Press Freedom

Concerns regarding press freedom have grown since 2021. Several journalists have faced legal challenges, including investigations and arrests, often related to criticism of the government. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have documented a decline in press freedom in Tunisia, citing restrictive legislation and increasing pressure on independent media. This has lead to self-censorship in some instances and a chilling effect on investigative journalism.

Diverse Perspectives in Tunisian Media

Despite the challenges,the Tunisian media landscape remains relatively diverse.

* State-Owned Media: Generally supportive of the government’s policies, frequently enough framing Saïed’s actions as necessary for national stability and progress.

* Private television Channels: Exhibit a range of viewpoints, from staunchly pro-Saïed to fiercely critical. Channels like Nessma TV and attesia TV have been vocal in their opposition to the president’s policies.

* Independent Online media: Provide a platform for choice voices and investigative reporting. Inkyfada and Tunisia Forum are examples of online publications known for their independent coverage.

* Newspapers: Le Temps and La Presse de Tunisie offer a mix of political and economic news, with varying degrees of critical analysis.

Impact on vulnerable Populations: A Focus on Social Programs

Saïed’s government has launched several social programs aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable populations. These include:

* National Solidarity Fund: Expanded to provide financial assistance to low-income families and individuals.

* Job Creation Initiatives: Focused on providing training and employment opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas.

* Healthcare Access: Efforts to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved regions.

* Educational Support: Programs to provide scholarships and financial aid to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

However, the effectiveness of these programs has been debated. Critics argue that they are insufficient to address the scale of the social and economic challenges facing Tunisia. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds.

Economic Considerations and Social Equity

The link between economic policy and social equity is central to saïed’s vision. His governance has emphasized the need for economic reforms that benefit all Tunisians, not just a select few. Key economic initiatives include:

* Attracting Foreign Investment: Seeking to attract foreign investment to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

* Promoting smes: Providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises, which are seen as a key driver of job creation.

* Diversifying the Economy: Reducing reliance on tourism and exploring new economic sectors, such as renewable energy and technology.

* Negotiating with the IMF: Ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package, which is contingent on implementing economic reforms.

the IMF negotiations have been controversial, with critics warning that the austerity measures demanded by the IMF could exacerbate social inequalities. Saïed’s government maintains that the reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy and create a sustainable foundation for long-term growth.

Case Study: The Response to the 2023 Heatwave and Water crisis

the severe heatwave and water crisis that gripped Tunisia in the summer of 2023 provided a stark