Tunisia Roundup: 1.6% economic growth, Press freedom dips, Transport and justice

Tunisia's Economy Grows 1.6% in Q1 2025

Tunisia’s economy expanded by 1.6% year-on-year in Q1 2025, driven by strong agricultural performance. Agriculture contributed 0.59% to GDP growth, with industrial output also rising by 0.5%. However, quarter-on-quarter growth dipped by 0.2% compared to Q4 2024, per INS data. Unemployment fell to 15.7%, while youth unemployment dropped to 37.7% and graduate joblessness to 23.5%. The government plans to resume public sector hiring for the first time since 2017. Minister Riyadh Chaoud confirmed that the 2025 budget includes 20,000 public job openings. The new hires are expected in public administration and state-owned enterprises. Officials hope this will ease Tunisia’s long-standing employment challenges. The data reflects cautious optimism amid persistent economic pressures. Observers stress the need for broader structural reforms to sustain gains.

Tunisia drops in global press freedom index

Tunisia fell 11 places to rank 129th in RSF’s 2025 World Press Freedom Index. RSF cited rising political, judicial, and economic pressure on journalists and outlets. “Self-censorship is spreading; fear is reshaping Tunisia’s media landscape,” RSF said. Several journalists remain jailed, including Sonia Dahmani and Chadha Hadj Mbarek. Boughalleb was jailed for criticising the Religious Affairs Ministry; he remains on trial. The 2022-54 Decree Law is now frequently used to prosecute media professionals. RSF warned of “systemic misuse” of outdated laws to silence dissent. Journalist arrests and suspended programs have sparked local and global concern. Media unions are calling for the repeal of repressive legal instruments. Press advocates say Tunisia risks democratic backsliding if trends continue.

President orders agricultural land audit

President Kais Saied has called for a full audit of Tunisia’s agricultural land assets. The audit will assess past distributions and investigate illegal land seizures. It coincides with the 61st anniversary of Law No. 5, which restricts land ownership to Tunisians. Saied said the audit must include all state properties, not just farmland. He noted that previous audit efforts were obstructed by vested interests. “This will ensure self-sufficiency and open global market access,” he said. The Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of State Property will co-lead the audit, Agency Tunis Afrique Press reports. The President linked land justice to national economic sovereignty. He underscored the urgency of restoring legal clarity and halting exploitation.

Public transport sector overhaul

Tunisia’s public transport system is under review, with new buses on the way. President Kais Saied met with Transport Minister Rachid Amri to discuss plans. The goal is to ease commuting pressures as the system nears total collapse. He ordered that all barriers to bus imports be lifted immediately, Agency Tunis Afrique Press reports. The meeting also addressed persistent disruptions at national airline Tunisair. Saied rejected calls to privatise the carrier or move Tunis-Carthage Airport. “Tunisair must remain a national symbol of pride,” he stated. He vowed to shield public companies from sell-offs amid reform calls. The president framed the effort as part of a "national liberation" strategy. Officials say public services will be restored without foreign control.

Social justice take priority

President Saied has reiterated that social justice must guide all reforms in Tunisia. Meeting Prime Minister Zenzri, he warned against fragmented, sectoral solutions. “Only a national, collective approach can resolve the people’s grievances,” he said. He reviewed multiple draft laws and criticised past governments for diversion tactics. Saied recalled how revolutionary demands were reduced to shallow economic concessions. He accused remnants of the old regime of exploiting the system for personal gain. “Power is seen as spoils by those who have no love for the nation,” he said. He urged Tunisians to remain vigilant and pursue deep, systemic change. The President stressed that justice must be both structural and moral. Observers see this rhetoric as setting the tone for future political reforms.