The bread crisis in Tunisia: an economic and social issue
Tunisia is currently going through a bread crisis which has sparked strong reactions among the population. It all started on July 27, when the President of the Republic expressed his wish to set up a subsidy system to provide bread at an affordable price for all Tunisians.
Since this statement, things have quickly become complicated. Some bakeries, considered “modern” or “unclassified”, reacted by suspending their production. The government accuses them of inflating prices or not selling the subsidized baguette at the price set by the state. This situation has created confusion and led to a loss of confidence on the part of consumers.
In certain districts of Tunis, queues in front of bakeries start in the morning, and it is becoming more and more difficult to find the famous subsidized baguette. Consumers complain about having to buy more expensive or lower quality bread, which only adds to their frustration.
Faced with this situation, the government has decided to take strict measures towards unclassified bakeries. Stocks of flour and semolina were redirected to traditional bakeries to better control production and guarantee the supply of subsidized bread. However, this measure raises new questions. Tunisia is 95% dependent on imported wheat, making flour supplies uncertain and posing financial problems for the country.
In addition, traditional bakeries have not received compensation for more than a year and a half, which has created a gap between the government and these essential players in the bread industry.
In these circumstances, it becomes essential to find sustainable solutions to ensure the supply of bread at an affordable price for all Tunisians. It is also crucial to restore consumer confidence by ensuring the quality and availability of subsidized bread.
This bread crisis in Tunisia highlights the challenges facing the country economically and socially. It is essential to initiate a constructive dialogue between the government, bakeries and the population to find balanced and lasting solutions.
In conclusion, the bread crisis in Tunisia is a major issue that requires particular attention. The subsidization of bread and its availability at an affordable price for all Tunisians are crucial aspects to ensure the economic stability and social well-being of the country. It is essential to find sustainable solutions and restore trust between the different players involved in the bread industry.