Tunisia: Towards a return to summer hours to save energy?

Tunisia may return to daylight saving time as part of a broader initiative to conserve energy and rationalize public spending. A joint working session held by the productive sectors and finance and budget committees of the National Regions and Districts Council focused on energy sovereignty and reducing public expenditure.

The initiative, presented by deputy Ali Hassoumi Bayyouli, aims to improve public resource governance and cut costs associated with energy consumption and subsidies. Participants observed a moment of silence for victims of the Mezzouna accident and called for better enforcement of safety regulations for agricultural workers' transport.

Bayyouli explained that while the council lacks legislative initiative power, it can transmit recommendations to the government. His proposal addresses energy deficits and rising subsidy costs. Key recommendations include stricter governance of administrative vehicle use, limiting it to essential service needs, and reforming the subsidy system for better targeting.

Among the proposed measures is the potential adoption of a summer schedule to reduce energy consumption. Debates highlighted the strategic importance of these issues, with participants emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches backed by precise data. The initiative was ultimately sent back to its author for further enrichment and detailed technical analysis before potential re-examination.