TUNIS - Interim Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, on Saturday, called upon governors to contribute to the organisation of transparent elections and support the action of the Independent Higher Authority for the Elections (ISIE).
The elections and the fight against terrorism and smuggling are top priorities for the government, according to him.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the periodic governors' conference held in the National Guard barracks in El Aouina.
The difficult economic situation requires starting structural reforms without delay, within the framework of the economic dialogue, he argued, recalling that the payroll is generating a deficit of 1.1 billion dinars per month.
Jomaa also stressed the need to streamline state subsidies and direct them to their beneficiaries.
He emphasised the importance of raising the awareness of different parties about the critical economic situation, calling on government members to combat tax evasion and take urgent measures to introduce reforms to the tax and banking systems.
The prime minister urged governors to work to improve the business climate and re-launch pending projects, saying public finances are one of the major problems faced by the country.
He called on regional officials to enforce the law and counter anything that may obstruct production through dialogue with the civil society and in co-operation with the security forces, within the respect of human rights and the right to strike.
Governors are called to ensure that the State's sovereignty is respected, he argued.
Speaking about the neutrality of the administration, Jomaa urged governors to well study applications for the positions of delegate and Omda and seek solutions to the problem of rejection of special delegations.
The periodic conference of governors, which was not held in the last two years, will discuss, on Saturday in camera, the security situation, the fight against terrorism, organised crime and smuggling.
Presentations will also be made on market supply and price control.
The conference will also discuss the progress of development projects, ways to boost private investment, the environmental situation and the tourist season.
ISIE President Chafik Sarsar will speak out on preparations for the upcoming elections.
© Tunis-Afrique Presse 2014
