The Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP), on Thursday evening, adjourned the plenary session devoted to the article-by-article examination of the draft finance law for 2024, at the request of the Minister of Finance, following the adoption by MPs of the amended version of article 41 on the blue economy and sustainable development.
The amended article was approved with 77 votes in favour, 44 against and 44 abstentions.
Finance Minister Sihem Namsia said that the new version of this article, which provides for granting subsidies to companies as part of support for the energy transition without a ceiling, was “unacceptable”, especially as “there is already a fund that has been created for this purpose”.
“It is my responsibility as finance minister to consider that this measure is likely to damage the country’s fiscal balance,” she warned.
The minister added that “the government is currently working to rationalise subsidies in view of the difficult economic situation. However, it has provided for other
mechanisms to support the energy transition without undermining the budget balance.
Earlier, deputies approved article 39, which revises the tourist tax for foreign tourists in tourist facilities (hotels, tourist residences, etc.).
They also adopted the amended Article 40 on the introduction of a tax on milk derivatives.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse