Tunisians are usually very pessimistic when they talk about the future of their country. Many see themselves as imprisoned in it. Those who manage to escape the country, through legal or illegal channels, are considered heroes. However, outside observers are somehow more optimistic with regards to the process initiated in 2011. These contradictory perceptions hide a misunderstanding as to the nature of the Tunisian revolution, its main actors, and its stakes.
According to official figures, 11 billion dinars are currently circulating outside the Tunisian banking system. This calls for a constant refinancing of banks by the Tunisian Central Bank, due to the resulting lack of liquidity. Many factors may account for this situation, namely the size of the informal sector and the low rate of bancarization standing at 47% of the population. While this has been the case for many years, the situation could deteriorate in 2018 and 2019.
La démocratie est la pierre philosophale des temps modernes. Elle est la seule à même de transformer les sauvageons en civilisés. Ceux qui aspirent au progrès doivent impérativement commencer par aspirer à la démocratie. Le peuple qui l’accueille en son sein doit se réjouir de son salut prochain, tout en portant dans le plus grand silence la croix sur laquelle les politiciens peuvent éventuellement le crucifier. Il ne faut pas se plaindre, quand on voit la dissidence des élus censés représenter le peuple. En Tunisie, quand les gens se plaignent, on voudrait bien les fouetter pour châtier leur manque de foi en la sainte démocratie.