lemonde.fr
Tunisia's New Check Law Creates Financial Hardship for Consumers and Businesses
A new law in Tunisia restricting check usage, effective February 2nd, is creating financial difficulties for many citizens and businesses who relied on postdated checks for purchases and financing, with banks implementing stricter controls and alternative payment solutions yet to fully address the issue.
- What immediate consequences has the new Tunisian law on checks had on consumers and businesses, and how significant are these impacts on daily life and the economy?
- In Tunisia, a new law restricting check usage has created financial hardship for many, including Zied, a consultant who previously relied on postdated checks for purchases. This impacts his ability to afford necessary items like a new refrigerator, highlighting the significant role checks played in everyday finances.
- What specific measures have banks implemented to control check usage, and how have these measures affected businesses' financial practices and their ability to finance operations?
- The new law, while aiming to curb bad checks, has tightened bank controls, limiting checkbooks and requiring solvency checks. This affects not only consumers but also businesses that relied on deferred check payments, forcing them to seek alternative financing solutions like monthly cash collection or automatic withdrawals, which are not available to all.
- What are the potential long-term effects of this change on the Tunisian economy, considering the limited access to alternative financing solutions and the role of banks in supporting consumer spending and SME growth?
- The long-term impact will likely involve a shift towards alternative payment methods like credit cards and bank drafts. However, the slow adoption of these alternatives by banks, coupled with limited access for independent contractors and renters like Zied, risks slowing down consumer spending and impacting various sectors of the Tunisian economy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the new law negatively by focusing on the hardships it causes for individuals and businesses. While it acknowledges some benefits (reducing bad checks), the emphasis is on the negative consequences and the difficulties people face in adapting. The headline (if one existed) would likely further reinforce this negative framing. The use of Zied's personal story at the beginning creates empathy, but potentially overshadows the broader economic aspects of the reform.
Language Bias
The article uses relatively neutral language, but phrases like "vieillissant" (aging/old) when describing Zied's refrigerator and "se compliquent" (things get complicated) carry slightly negative connotations. While not overtly biased, more precise and neutral terms could enhance objectivity. The repeated emphasis on difficulties might subtly shape the reader's overall perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges faced by individuals like Zied due to the new check law, but it could benefit from including perspectives from bankers or government officials involved in implementing the law. It also omits discussion of potential benefits of the law, such as reducing the number of bad checks and protecting businesses from financial losses. The impact on the informal economy, beyond the mention of SMEs, is also not explored.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the situation, contrasting the ease of previous check usage with the current difficulties. It doesn't fully explore the range of alternative payment methods available or the potential for gradual adaptation and innovation in the financial sector. The framing implies a stark eitheor situation: old system (easy) vs. new system (difficult), while the reality likely has more nuance.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. Zied is mentioned with his wife, but their roles are not stereotyped. The experts quoted are identified by professional titles rather than gendered descriptions. However, more attention to gender diversity among the experts quoted would be ideal.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new law restricting check payments disproportionately affects low-income individuals and small businesses in Tunisia, hindering their access to credit and impacting their consumption and economic opportunities. This exacerbates existing inequalities.