Tunisia proposes law offering retirees discounts, health priority

Tunisia is contemplating a new law designed to significantly enhance the lives of its retirees, introducing a range of social, cultural, and economic benefits. The proposed legislation, currently under discussion in the Assembly of People's Representatives, aims to provide substantial discounts and prioritize healthcare for the elderly.

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This initiative aims to provide a structural response to the aging of the Tunisian population, while valuing the role of the elderly in society.

Key provisions include discounts of up to 40% for hotels and classified tourist establishments, and 30% for public transportation, including urban, regional, and rail services. Discounts also extend to national air and maritime travel outside peak seasons. Access to festivals could see reductions of 40-50%, with museums offering free entry.

On the health front, the law proposes priority access for retirees in hospitals, for medical consultations, examinations, and surgeries. It also includes measures to exempt retirees from certain preventive service contributions, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve care for the elderly. This initiative comes as Tunisia's aging population is projected to grow, with the rate of aging increasing from 6% to nearly 17% in 2024, and potentially reaching 20% by 2030.

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Many retirees remain active and possess valuable expertise, the mobilization of which could help compensate for certain labor market imbalances, especially in a context of qualified skills leaving the country for abroad.

The bill also focuses on the economic and social integration of retirees. It suggests allowing them to engage in consulting activities without losing their pensions and encourages companies to utilize their experience. Lawmakers believe that mobilizing the skills of active retirees can help address labor market imbalances, particularly given the emigration of qualified professionals. The initiative is framed as requiring minimal new investment, primarily focusing on optimizing existing infrastructure and capacities during off-peak times. Furthermore, a social and cultural component seeks to combat isolation and marginalization by encouraging retirees' participation in public life and cultural activities.

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This initiative does not require significant investments, but essentially relies on better use of existing infrastructure, particularly the available capacities in transport and hotel establishments outside periods of high demand.