First Independent Mena Newspaper
Senior members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have accused the EU executive of “bankrolling dictators”, claiming that the €150 million it gave to Tunisia last year in a migration and development deal went straight to the country’s president, Kais Saied. The group of MEPs on the human rights, justice and foreign affairs committees at the […]
Once a month of joy and celebration, Ramadan this year has put the finances of ordinary Tunisians on strain as inflation bites, coupled with a shortage of basic goods and rampant unemployment. Tunisia’s February inflation was at 7.5% with prices set to further surge due to the high demand on foodstuff, particularly during the fasting […]
As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on Monday or Tuesday (11-12 March), depending on the sighting of the new moon, Muslims in parts of Africa are bracing themselves for more subdued celebrations amid soaring food prices and continuing violence in Sudan, Gaza and elsewhere in the continent. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the […]
Tunisia’s Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani seems to have made a trip to Paris specifically to protest against a French documentary that exposed Tunisia’s worsening poverty and dictatorship under the rule of Kais Saied. Speaking at a presser with his French Peer Attali, Hachani ranted at the documentary describing it as “an unfriendly act by our […]
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 […]