"Privatization, intended to boost economic efficiency, became a lucrative tool for regime insiders. Ben Ali’s circle secured sweetheart deals for state-owned firms, extracting hefty bribes and kickbacks from international investors seeking business in Tunisia. Profits were funneled into offshore accounts in Europe (i.e. Switzerland)—a classic tale of corruption in the developing world."
Sounds like Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed, yet Putin is still in power while Ben Ali is gone. My guess is this is because Russia has vast natural resources for Putin to fund his regime whereas Tunisia doesn't.
"Privatization, intended to boost economic efficiency, became a lucrative tool for regime insiders. Ben Ali’s circle secured sweetheart deals for state-owned firms, extracting hefty bribes and kickbacks from international investors seeking business in Tunisia. Profits were funneled into offshore accounts in Europe (i.e. Switzerland)—a classic tale of corruption in the developing world."
Sounds like Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed, yet Putin is still in power while Ben Ali is gone. My guess is this is because Russia has vast natural resources for Putin to fund his regime whereas Tunisia doesn't.
Yep, Tunisia isn't that resource rich. Tunisia has some oil but in 2023 it didn't even export $1B.