Tunisian President Kais Saied of Tunisia said on Monday that the revolution cannot be limited to the adoption of new laws, but should be accompanied by a profound cultural shift, particularly within the administration and public services, according to a statement from the presidency.
During his meeting at the Carthage Palace with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, the Tunisian head of state reviewed the country’s overall situation.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that public action continues “without interruption” in order to provide concrete solutions to citizens’ expectations across all sectors.
Kais Saied also emphasised the need to further empower young people, whom he believes are called upon to take the reins and assume responsibilities, which he described as a “legitimate right.”
The president expressed strong criticism of the functioning of several public services, believing they were not fulfilling their mission properly.
Recalling that “the state is the sum of all these services,” he deemed it unacceptable that the head of state should have to intervene to resolve problems that normally fall under the purview of regional or local officials. This situation, he insisted, reflects structural dysfunctions that require lasting solutions.
In this context, Kais Saied emphasized his vision of the revolution, which he does not reduce to a simple legislative reform. “The revolution is not just legislation; it is a cultural shift,” he stated, stressing that this turning point must take place primarily within the administration. For the president, the effectiveness of public action depends as much on legal texts as on practices, mindsets, and the sense of responsibility of state employees.
The head of state also emphasised the need for an administration that serves the citizen, capable of handling cases swiftly and fairly.
He called for greater accountability among managers and local officials to avoid excessive centralisation of decision-making and to bring the administration closer to the population’s daily concerns.
This meeting is in line with the presidential discourse focused on the rebuilding of the state and the thorough reform of public institutions.
Through this approach, Kaïs Saïed intends to promote a lasting transformation of governance, based on commitment, exemplary conduct, and a renewed administrative culture, which he considers essential for the success of the change process underway in Tunisia.
MK/Sf/fss/as/APA