Kais Saied’s economic experiment has failed Tunisia

What the report says

Al Jazeera’s Hichem Mechichi argues that Tunisian President Kais Saied’s economic agenda has not delivered the promised turnaround and has instead left the country in a deeper crisis. The commentary says Saied rose to power in 2019 amid public anger over corruption, inequality and weak governance, then concentrated power in July 2021 while promoting a message of self-reliance, anti-corruption and a new economic model. It says these ideas resonated with many Tunisians, but that they were not matched by effective policy or institutional reform.

The article points to worsening economic indicators after Saied took full control. It cites World Bank data showing growth slowing sharply after a brief rebound, while unemployment remained high. It also says public debt and financing needs increased, leaving the state more dependent on domestic banks and the central bank for funding. The piece describes this as a squeeze on private-sector credit and a sign that the government’s financing strategy has become increasingly fragile.

By the summer of 2026, according to the article, Tunisia was facing recurring electricity and water cuts, a strained health system and falling purchasing power. Mechichi says the country’s difficulties are now visible in daily life, with many households struggling to afford basic goods and some people viewing migration as their only escape. As an opinion essay, the piece reflects the author’s assessment that Saied’s economic experiment has failed, rather than a separate news report of new official action.