Tunisia and the IMF sign a preliminary agreement for an aid loan worth 1.9 billion euros

MADRID, 16 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The IMF and the Tunisian authorities have reached a preliminary agreement for the delivery to the country of a loan estimated at 1,900 million dollars (1,950 million euros) with a view to its final ratification in December.

The loan, announced the international institution in a statement on Saturday, will aim to contribute to the restoration of "macroeconomic stability", as well as "strengthen social safety nets and fiscal equity, and accelerate reforms that support a enabling environment for inclusive growth and sustainable job creation".

The agreement is considered an essential step for international investors and donors to regain confidence in the country, the scene of a serious political crisis since July last year since the president, Kais Saied, dissolved the government and suspended Parliament. subsequently dissolved--, arrogating all powers.

Tunisia has been in need of international aid for months as it grapples with a crisis in public finances that has raised fears it may default on debt and has contributed to food and fuel shortages.

The Minister of Finance, Sihem Boughdiri Namsia, has applauded in statements to the Al Watania 1 channel that the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund will be beneficial for Tunisia and will allow it to "ensure its economic and financial stability", in addition to paving the way for other financing operations.