Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – Tunisia has been hit by protests once again as bakers stage a sit-in following the government’s recent subsidy cuts. The move has left many bakery owners and workers struggling to make ends meet, with the threat of closure looming over their heads.
“I came here today because we have no income. 1,500 bakeries are closed and their owners are risking going to prison, as they are no longer able to pay their rents and leasing debts,” said Mohamed Ali, a bakery owner participating in the sit-in.
The government’s decision to slash subsidies on basic foodstuffs, including flour and sugar, has sent shockwaves throughout the baking industry. With the sudden increase in costs, many bakers can no longer afford to keep their businesses running.
The sit-in, which began on Tuesday, has seen dozens of bakery owners and workers gather outside the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in Tunis. They are demanding that the government reinstates the subsidies to alleviate the financial burden they now face.
“The subsidy cuts have had a devastating impact on our livelihoods,” said Fatma Ahmed, a baker who has been forced to lay off several of her employees due to the financial strain. “We are struggling to afford even the most basic ingredients, let alone pay our bills.”
Bakery owners argue that the subsidy cuts will not only affect their businesses but also have a wider impact on the country’s economy. Bread is a staple in the Tunisian diet, and the closure of bakeries could lead to food shortages and increased prices for consumers.
The government, however, maintains that the subsidy cuts are necessary to reduce the country’s budget deficit and comply with International Monetary Fund (IMF) regulations. Tunisia has been grappling with a financial crisis for several years, and the government believes that reducing subsidies is a necessary step towards economic recovery.
Industry experts and economists have expressed concern over the government’s decision, warning that it could exacerbate social and economic inequalities in the country.
“Subsidy cuts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society,” said Dr. Amina Mahmoud, an economist specializing in North African economies. “It is crucial for the government to find alternative ways to reduce the budget deficit without sacrificing the livelihoods of its citizens.”
The sit-in is expected to continue until the government addresses the demands of the bakery owners and workers. As tensions rise, the fate of Tunisia’s baking industry hangs in the balance, with many hoping for a resolution that will allow businesses to continue operating and workers to regain their livelihoods.
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