The firm One To One for Research and Polling has just released the results of the fifth edition of the Arab Barometer this morning, July 18, 2019. It is a survey covering a dozen Arab countries on several themes. Let’s find out what this investigation into Tunisia reveals.
The transitional period that Tunisia is currently living in means that the country faces many challenges. And the most important challenge, according to 48% of those surveyed, is none other than the difficult economic situation which far exceeds terrorism (13%) and corruption (12%).
But even if corruption comes third, 9 out of 10 Tunisians believe that corruption is widespread in state institutions. This represents a considerable increase of 21% compared to 69% in 2011. “This does not necessarily mean that corruption is more widespread,” said Youssef Meddeb, chief executive officer of One To One. “The fact that there is more and more talk of corruption gives the impression to a large section of the population that corruption has grown.”
This does not preclude, according to respondents, bribes are sometimes necessary to access better quality public services. In fact, 43% of respondents believe that this is the case for education, and 47% for health.
The Arab barometer also looked at measuring rates of stress and depression. The results showed that 53% of Tunisians felt “several times” or “often” stressed. 40% of citizens said they felt “several times” or “often” depressed in the six months preceding the survey.
Stress rates among women (56%) and those aged 30 to 39 (62%) are the highest, the survey said.
In terms of depression, the percentages are higher among age groups (50 years and over) and women (41%). The results also show that, compared to other countries, Tunisia is at the head of the Arab countries with high stress and depression rates among citizens.
Faced with all these challenges, a third of Tunisian citizens (33%) are thinking of emigrating. Most are young (18-29 years), the rate drops to 56% for this target and those with higher education (51%). 73% of people wishing to emigrate want to leave for economic reasons. Europe is the preferred destination (57%), followed by North America with a rate of 12%.
