馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
Agricultural product prices to gradually stabilize, says Samir Khalfaoui
via Business News3 min read
Samir Khalfaoui, Director of Economic Research at the Ministry of Commerce, discussed market disruptions, including rising prices for vegetables, fruits, and poultry, on National Radio on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He attributed these issues to a "spring structural trough period," a transitional phase in the agricultural cycle characterized by a temporary decrease in supply as seasonal production has not yet fully commenced. This period relies on early crops, which have higher production costs, directly impacting prices. This reduced supply, coupled with sustained demand, led to price increases for tomatoes and peppers. Extreme weather events in 2026, including floods, cold snaps, and sudden temperature drops, affected production zones, hindering crop growth, especially for early crops. This resulted in a notable decline in production compared to the same period in 2025. Khalfaoui reported a 12% drop in overall quantities supplied to wholesale markets, with an 8% decrease for vegetables, 23% for fruits, and 13% for fish products. The Ministry's services have intensified control and monitoring operations across the supply chain to curb speculative practices and prevent excessive price increases. Dysfunctional distribution channels also contribute to the problem, with a significant portion of agricultural products sold outside legal channels through unauthorized intermediaries, disrupting price formation and encouraging speculation. Regulations prohibit the sale of agricultural
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Jean-Luc M茅lenchon, leader of La France insoumise and a candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, has expressed support for Hamma Hammami, Secretary-General of the Workers' Party, stating that Hammami is facing death threats and harassment. M茅lenchon urged Tunisian authorities to ensure Hammami's protection and prosecute those responsible. This intervention follows a statement from the Workers' Party on July 14, 2026, which reported that a video circulating on social media explicitly called for Hammami's assassination. The party attributes this video to an internet user identified as a supporter of President Ka茂s Sa茂ed, linking it to Hammami's critical stance against the current government. The Workers' Party also criticized the authorities for not removing the video or prosecuting its alleged author. The left-wing party believes this incident is part of a growing climate of hate speech and violence, accusing the government of fostering hostility towards its opponents. The party stated that these threats against Hammami are an extension of verbal attacks and accusations directed at political figures, journalists, activists, and trade unionists critical of the government. The Workers' Party affirmed its commitment to its political engagement despite these intimidations and called on Tunisians to oppose "criminal calls" targeting opposition figures, reiterating its resolve to defend its members and its Secretary-General.
The Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas Steg attributes recent power cuts across the country to an exceptional heatwave, high electricity demand, and technical incidents. Fay莽al Trifa, CEO of Steg, explained that record demand, particularly from air conditioning use between 1 PM and 5 PM, is a major factor. He also cited a technical incident at an energy facility in Sidi Okba, eastern Algeria, which reduced electricity supply to Tunisia. Trifa noted that high temperatures not only increase consumption but also affect equipment performance, causing disruptions in several countries. He urged citizens to limit electricity consumption during peak hours to help stabilize the grid. Elyes Ben Ammar, a member of the General Federation of Electricity and Gas under the Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT, distinguished between unforeseen technical failures and periodic load shedding. Both officials emphasized that load shedding is a necessary measure to prevent a complete grid collapse, or "black-out," which would be far more challenging to manage, citing Spain's 2025 experience. While acknowledging load shedding as a preventive measure used globally during consumption peaks, Ben Ammar stressed it should be exceptional. He argued that repeated load shedding indicates insufficient reinforcement of production capacities and infrastructure to meet increasing demand. Ben Ammar also highlighted Steg's difficult period, urging authorities to prioritize and support the company. He noted tha
The Workers' Party stated on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that a video published on social media contains an explicit call for the assassination of its Secretary-General, Hamma Hammami. In a statement, the political party indicated that this publication, attributed to an internet user presented as a supporter of President Ka茂s Sa茂ed, is linked to Hamma Hammami's critical stance against the current government. The Workers' Party denounced the video remaining online, believing that authorities have not taken necessary measures to remove it or to prosecute its alleged author. The left-wing party considers this incident part of a context marked by "the rise of hate speech and violence," accusing the government of fostering a hostile climate towards its opponents. The Workers' Party asserts that the threats against its Secretary-General extend a series of verbal attacks and accusations directed, according to the party, against critical voices of the government, including political officials, journalists, civil society activists, and trade unionists. The party affirms that these threats will not undermine its political commitment and that it will continue its work for social rights, freedom, and dignity. The Workers' Party calls on Tunisians to oppose "criminal calls" targeting, in its view, several opposition political figures. It also states that it will defend its activists and its Secretary-General against any intimidation attempt. As of now, no official reaction from the authoritie