The Latest Breaking News from Tunis

Tunisian president extends state of emergency until Jan. 30

Tunisian President Kais Saied extended the state of emergency until Jan. 30, 2023, the official gazette said on Friday.

Reuters · Dec 30, 2022

Tunisia Central Bank Raises Key Rate by 75 Bps to Curb Inflation

Tunisia’s central bank on Friday raised its key interest rate by 75 basis points to 8% from 7.25% to combat high inflation, the bank said, marking the third hike this year. Tunisia's inflation rate jumped to a record 9.8% in November from 9.2% in October. "Through this action, the Central…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Dec 30, 2022

Tunisia union threatens to 'occupy the streets,' rejects 2023 budget

Tunisia's powerful UGTT union will hold mass protests and "occupy the streets" soon to show its rejection of next year's austerity budget, the leader of the union said on Monday, in its strongest challenge to the government of President Kais Saied yet.

Reuters · Dec 26, 2022

Tunisia Seeks to Cut Fiscal Deficit to 5.5% in 2023, Led by Economic Reforms

Tunisia expects to reduce its fiscal deficit to 5.5% next year from a forecast 7.7% this year, driven by austerity measures that could pave the way for a final deal with the International Monetary Fund on a rescue package. The country has been in urgent need of international help for…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Dec 23, 2022

Tunisia union says election run-offs could cause chaos

A second round of elections would cause chaos and should be postponed following record-low turnout in parliamentary voting last week, the powerful UGTT union said on Thursday, saying the resulting parliament would have no legitimacy.

Reuters · Dec 22, 2022

Tunisia's powerful union steps up president's criticism after low election turnout

Tunisia's powerful national trade union on Tuesday ratcheted up its criticism of President Kais Saied after a dismal turnout at the national election, urging the country's civil society to not remain silent.

Reuters · Dec 20, 2022

Runoffs due in most Tunisian districts in controversial parliament election

Runoffs will be held in most Tunisian regions after only 21 candidates secured victory in the first round of parliamentary elections, the electoral commission said on Monday, following the controversial vote marked by a very low turnout.

Reuters · Dec 19, 2022

U.S. urges Tunisia to expand political participation

The low voter turnout in Tunisia's parliamentary elections reinforces the need for the North African nation to further expand political participation in the coming months, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Sunday.

Reuters · Dec 18, 2022

Low turnout a message from Tunisian people to Saied: ‘Step aside’

Opposition parties say the only way forward for Tunisia is to get out of President Kais Saied’s system of one-man rule.

Al Jazeera · Dec 18, 2022

Dismal election turnout puts Tunisia president's legitimacy under spotlight

The ultra-low turnout of 8.8% in Tunisia's parliamentary election on Saturday may prove a defining moment in the struggle between President Kais Saied and a fragmented but increasingly confident opposition that accuses him of a coup.

Reuters · Dec 18, 2022