- Saied has announced a presidential election
- Tunisia currently faces a 15% unemployment rate
- Negotiations have been stalled since 2021
The office of President Kais Saied has announced that a presidential election will take place on October 6, 2024. It is unclear whether President Saied will seek re-election for a second five-year term.
In 2021, President Saied consolidated power and began governing through decrees, leading to the imprisonment of political opponents and the implementation of a new constitution in 2022.
The presidential system, combined with a parliament having limited powers, has resulted in political turmoil and economic challenges.
Tunisia currently faces a 15% unemployment rate and approximately four million citizens living in poverty. Additionally, there has been a crackdown on media, resulting in the prosecution of numerous journalists, lawyers, and political opponents.
Despite efforts to secure a loan from the International Monetary Fund, negotiations have been stalled since 2021 due to reform requests.
However, the European Investment Bank recently announced grants and loans totaling 450 million euros to support infrastructure projects and small to medium-sized enterprises.
The ongoing crisis has led thousands of Tunisians to attempt dangerous boat journeys to Europe in search of better opportunities.
