The Latest Breaking News from Tunis

Tunisia's Ghannouchi says he has been summoned for questioning

Tunisian anti-terrorism police have summoned for questioning Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Islamist Ennahda party and speaker of the parliament which President Kais Saied dissolved this week, Ghannouchi said on Friday.

Reuters · Apr 1, 2022

Tunisia's Free Constitutional Party says to boycott referendum on political changes

Tunisia's Free Constitutional Party will‮ ‬boycott any referendum on political changes and pledge to oppose it, said party leader Abir Moussa on Friday.

Reuters · Apr 1, 2022

U.S. deeply concerned by Tunisian president's move to dissolve parliament

The U.S. State Department on Thursday said Washington is deeply concerned by Tunisian President Kais Saied's move to dissolve parliament, which has been suspended since last year, after it defied him by voting to repeal decrees that he used to assume near total power.

Reuters · Mar 31, 2022

Tunisia's UGTT Warns of Public Sector Strike

Tunisia's powerful UGTT union warned on Wednesday that public sector workers may go on strike to reject a package of economic reforms proposed by the government that it said included privatizations, wage freezes and cuts to subsidies. "The Department of Public Sector and Public Service (within the UGTT) approved the…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 30, 2022

Muslims Face Frugal Ramadan as Ukraine War Drives up Food Prices

Russia's Ukraine invasion, which has already exacerbated food woes in parts of Africa and the Middle East, is marring preparations for the holy month of Ramadan and forcing a turn to frugal iftar sunset meals. From Lebanon to Tunisia and Somalia, Muslims who traditionally break a dawn-to-dusk fast with lavish…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 30, 2022

Tunisia's Saied Condemns Parliament Sessions as 'Illegal'

President Kais Saied has condemned "illegal" meetings of Tunisia's parliament which he suspended last July, saying those responsible for the planned virtual sessions were trying to sow chaos. The North African country is in the throes of a deep political and economic crisis which took a dramatic turn last July…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 30, 2022

World Bank approves $400 million for Tunisia to help vulnerable households

The World Bank said on Tuesday it approved $400 million for Tunisia to help about 900,000 vulnerable Tunisian households cope with the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

Reuters · Mar 29, 2022

EU to Lend Tunisia 450 Mln Euros for Budget Support, Commissioner Says

The European Union said on Tuesday it will lend Tunisia 450 million euros ($500 million) to support its budget as the North African country faces a looming crisis in public finances for which it is seeking an international rescue package. Speaking after a meeting with Tunisian government officials in Tunis,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 29, 2022

Tunisia’s President Warns Against Attempts to Hold Sessions of Suspended Parliament

Tunisia’s president warned late on Monday against attempts to hold sessions of the suspended parliament saying forces and institutions will confront those who want to push Tunisians to fight. Speaker Rached Ghannouchi said earlier on Monday that parliament will hold two full sessions this week, to consider revoking President Kais…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 28, 2022

U.S concerned about democratic path in Tunisia, urges respect for freedom

The United States is concerned about the democratic path in Tunisia, a senior U.S. official said on Monday, urging the Tunisian authorities to respect freedom of expression and halt civilian military trials.

Reuters · Mar 28, 2022