Lhe informal market plagues the Tunisian economy. It accounts for almost 50% of the country’s commercial activity. Despite the various measures taken by the State in recent years, its threat to the instability of the national economy remains intact. This trade has grown since 2011. It is still there and its definitive eradication is not for tomorrow. A daunting task, but not impossible. Despite the efforts made to reduce informal trade through the creation of equipped markets capable of sheltering street vendors who squat public space in many squares of the capital and in several localities, it is clear that this kind of trade is still a real headache for local authorities. Crisscrossing the streets and arteries of the capital (Barcelona Square, Spain Street, El Jazira Street, and many others), you come out struck by the proliferation of street vendors on every street corner, exhibiting all kinds merchandise.
The question that arises today with acuity: when will the dismantling of these black spots which are multiplying more and more? Knowing that several “punch” operations have been launched before, operating raids on the ground against anarchic markets and street vendors. A laudable step certainly but which was not registered in the duration, to no longer tolerate disorder, anarchy, as well as unfair competition. These merchants have resurfaced in recent years, causing inconvenience to both citizens and other formal businesses. It is time for the public authorities to react to restore the capital to its former glory by attacking the makeshift stalls set up all along these streets where commercial clandestinity is in full swing.
It is clear that there are citizens who get their money’s worth by shopping at these merchants because of the attractive prices charged, so the inconvenience caused by these intruders is not taken into consideration. This informal “business” will then continue to prosper in the face of shop fronts and entrances squatted by these sellers. This deplorable situation heavily affects the activity of the real traders who pay their taxes and, more seriously, benefits to establish anarchy.
The authorities must realize the seriousness of this phenomenon and put an end to it. These traders can be integrated into a legal framework, and relocated to spaces that will be specifically designed for them.