First Independent Mena Newspaper
Amid its worst drought in decades, Tunisian authorities announced a 16% hike in water prices, a move that may further erode the already frail social peace foundations. The government has proceeded to water cuts and rationing in addition to a ban of irrigation in some main farming areas, further undermining the revenue of already impoverished […]
At least 1313 died in the risky Mediterranean crossing from Tunisian coasts to Italy last year, Tunisia’s Forum for Economic and Social Rights said. The number highlights that the country has overtaken Libya as the main crossing point to Europe, as the number of disenchanted Tunisians ready to take the risky route is on the […]
Economists warned Tunisia could plunge into an inflationary spiral if the central bank accepts direct financing of the state budget. Inflation was already at 8.1% in December and is expected to further raise and take a monetary character if the central bank accepts direct funding of the government. Tunisia’s president Kais Saied has asked for […]
A Tunisian corruption court tripled the prison term facing a businessman who challenged President Kais Saied in the 2019 presidential election. Nabil Karoui, a media mogul who has been plagued by charges since being imprisoned in the lead-up to that election, was sentenced on Friday to three years behind bars. The court’s spokesperson said he […]
After rolling the red carpet for the leader of Polisario separatists in 2022, Tunisia has doubled down on its anti-Moroccan policy by inviting the Polisario to take part at an international handicrafts fair in Sfax. The handicrafts department at Tunisia’s industry ministry has invited the Algerian-sponsored separatist militia to take part in the fair held […]
Tunisia has extended until December 31, 2024 the state of emergency in place since 2015 in the wake of a terrorist attack that killed 13 people most of whom were security forces. A communique published Tuesday January 30 in the official gazette said the measure, which grants security and armed forces sweeping power, has been […]
Ennahdha, Tunisia’s largest political party, rubbished Sunday January 21 rumors about the death of its leader Rached Ghannouchi in prison where he is serving a 10-month sentence on multiple charges. In a communique, the party said the 82-year-old man is safe and sound, and is resisting in his cell. The party also indicated that its […]
Tunisia’s president Kais Saied extended his power grab to the central bank, undermining the independence of the monetary policy in a country that suffers from an aggravating fiscal and economic crisis. Saied made the statement as he seeks direct financing of the state budget by the central bank, a move many economists warn would further […]
With thousands jailed for expressing dissent, destroyed checks and balances and an undermined civil society, Tunisia has backpedaled to autocracy following a crackdown on civil liberties by a president bent on continuing his power grab, Human Rights Watch said. “Tunisia experienced further regression in terms of human rights and the rule of law during 2023 […]
Two journalists added to scores of colleagues and people who have been arrested for expressing dissent, in a trend that worries rights defenders. After Zied El Heni was detained pending his trial, Al Jazeera journalist Samir Sassi was arrested by an anti-terrorism unit of the national guard, the Tunisian Journalism Union said. Security forces took […]