MP Mohamed Ziad Maher warns of a worsening energy crisis in Tunisia

MP Mohamed Ziad Maher criticizes the disruption of traditional electricity generation projects and the licensing system and warns of health, economic and social implications that threaten stability.

MP Mohamed Ziad Maher warned on Tuesday 10 November 2026 of the worsening of the energy crisis in Tunisia during his intervention in the public debate on the draft state budget and the draft economic balance. He considered that the country faces major risks due to the slowdown and reluctance in implementing strategic projects for electricity generation over the past years, after the challenges faced by the previous generation at the level of energy needs.

The expert criticized what he described as an ill-considered shutdown and disruption to the construction of conventional compound cycle power plants with the claim of energy transition, stressing that this path did not achieve even a tenth of the declared goals. He pointed to the disruption of the licensing system and connection contracts along with a lack of bank funding, which made the country's energy mix a pending project that has not become a tangible reality.

The MP explained that the energy crisis involves three main risks including a health risk that could lead to human losses, an economic risk of paralysing production, damaging citizens and economic institutions and hitting the competitiveness of the economy. It also addresses a third danger related to social turmoil that could threaten public stability in the event of simultaneous power and water outages.

The expert held direct responsibility for the toxic officials who oversaw the energy and electricity files in recent years, citing their contribution to exacerbating or shortening the crisis and their silence in dealing with it. He demanded the dismissal of anyone who proves his involvement or omits him in this file to avoid a situation of public frustration and chaos.