Tunisian revolution 'aims to help poor'

(MENAFN- Arab News) In a brief one-on-one interview with Arab News, Tunisian Minister of Housing Shahida Faraj Bouraoui said yesterday that the political turmoil in Tunisia has had no negative impact on the government's plans to support the underprivileged elements of society. "One of the main goals of the Tunisian revolution is to assist the deprived classes in obtaining their essential needs, such as housing, food and employment," said Bouraoui on the sidelines of the main session of the Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF). Relating the Tunisian experience in housing, the minister said the government intervened by providing the necessary mechanisms through involving the private sector and encouraging investment in the construction of houses, while reducing cost and maintaining quality. "The Tunisian government supports the establishment of public housing units through several specialized institutions and loan programs." Touching upon the unavoidable topic of political stability in the aftermath of the revolution, Bouraoui said the new government is still trying to secure the changes brought about in 2012.