Tunisia’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, has been removed from her position by President Kaïs Saïed.
The dismissal coincided with a parliamentary session dedicated to debating controversial draft legislation regarding renewable energy concessions. These proposed bills aim to regulate how foreign companies invest in and access power generation projects within the country. During the discussions, several lawmakers and stakeholders expressed significant concerns regarding the balance of the legislation, specifically whether it prioritizes attracting international investors at the expense of national interests.
While the presidency did not provide an explicit reason for Chiboub’s sudden removal, the timing has sparked widespread speculation that the dismissal is directly linked to the friction surrounding the new energy regulations. The energy sector is currently a focal point for Tunisia’s economic stability, as the government faces a critical need to increase investment and reduce its reliance on energy imports. Accelerating the transition to renewable energy is seen as a primary strategy for diversifying the national energy mix and lowering costs.
The outcome of these legislative debates is expected to be a turning point for the sector, as the government attempts to craft a regulatory framework that attracts foreign capital while ensuring public oversight of strategic assets. As institutional decisions continue to shift, the future trajectory of Tunisia’s energy policy remains under intense scrutiny by both domestic and international observers.
MK/AK/Sf/lb/abj/APA