The project aimed at allowing each Tunisian family to have a tourist car under easier conditions, presented as an attractive measure, raises serious concerns among economic experts and the automobile sector.
Mohamed Salah Ayarai, expert in economics and taxation, warned in this regard of the risks associated with this initiative. Speaking on Jawhara FM radio, he explained that if the project seems pleasant on the surface, it could cause major problems on several levels.
According to him, the massive arrival of vehicles would increase household expenses linked to maintenance and fuel, while affecting the financial balances of the State. “Part of the consumption rights which today fund the state budget would be reduced,” he said, also highlighting the consequences on road traffic due to the potential influx of thousands of vehicles.
Ayyari, the sustainable solution consists of developing and strengthening public transport, in order to facilitate the mobility of citizens while preserving the country’s economy and infrastructure.
A popular car system?
As for the automobile sector, Mehdi Mahjoub, spokesperson for the National Chamber of Car Dealers and Manufacturers, was also cautious. He recommended strictly regulating the project, drawing inspiration from the “popular cars” system. He warned that opening this system without a cap could lead to the entry of around a million additional cars into Tunisia in just one year, accentuating traffic and pollution problems.
The initiative, although attractive for Tunisian families, therefore seems to require a measured and planned approach, integrating control mechanisms and a parallel development of public transport to avoid a negative impact on the country’s economy and infrastructure.
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