Tunisia has been forced to face the inherent vulnerability of its energy sector due to external shocks in the energy market. The government raised in April 2022 fuel prices by around 5 percent for the third time this year, placing mounting pressure on ordinary Tunisians’ purses at a time when food and electricity prices are also on the rise. Against this background of Tunisia’s reliance on fossil fuels, this article surveys the country’s low-carbon energy transition and its potential to diversify away from fossil fuels and offer a sustainable, low-cost solution to energy needs.
One can say that Kais Saied’s organization of the national consultation is simply clumsy because it is a new approach in engaging citizens. But this would only hold as true if no other examples were undertaken across central and local structures in post-revolutionary Tunisia over the last few years. Instead, this new development is only further evidence that Saied is leading the country using citizen engagement tools to justify his action as his autocratic rule strays away from democratic and legal legitimacy.
In this Q&A on the challenges facing women in Tunisia in light of the political developments on the ground, TIMEP interviews Ikram Ben Said, a feminist activist and founder of Aswat Nissa (Voices of Women).
Two weeks ago, Kais Saied issued a decree tightening his grip on the judiciary and granting himself an extended control over its institutions. On the same day, 57 judges were dismissed, accused by the president of corruption and terrorism. In response to these measures, judges started a nationwide strike and argue that these sackings were due to their refusal to follow Saied’s instructions on trying political cases against his opponents.
LGBTQI+ Tunisians have faced escalated harassment on and offline, violent reprisals, and arrests and prosecution, both in response to their peaceful advocacy as well as solely on the basis of their gender expression and sexual orientation.
This fact sheet, put together by TIMEP’s Legal Unit, tracks and unpacks some of the key laws in question, including those on civil society, freedom of information, and counter-terrorism.
After the revolution, public morality offenses have been consistently used against those who do not conform to some of Tunisia’s religious and cultural customs.
