ARP debates new law to regulate foreign funding for associations
via Business News2 min read
The People's Representatives' Assembly ARP is actively debating a reform of the legal framework for associations, with foreign funding emerging as a key point of contention. A study day was organized by the ARP, and Deputy Mounir Kammouni discussed the proposed text on Express FM on April 16, 2026. The discussions center on the shortcomings of Decree-Law 88 of 2011, with ARP President Brahim Bouderbala emphasizing the need to better regulate a sector that has seen issues with funding and transparency. The legislative initiative's representative, Fatma Mseddi, advocated for stronger oversight of foreign funding through upstream and downstream control mechanisms to track the origin of funds. Representatives from the Court of Accounts and the Banking and Financial Council also called for greater transparency but cautioned against excessive constraints that could hinder associations, particularly their access to international cooperation programs. Deputy Mounir Kammouni, a member of the initiative, confirmed this direction, stating that a revision is necessary given the proliferation of associations around 25,000 today and criticisms of their operations. The reform aims to enhance financial transparency and regulate foreign funding through prior declaration mechanisms and reinforced control. Kammouni indicated that the current proposal tends to significantly limit or even exclude foreign funding, though adjustments are possible during parliamentary debates. He stressed that the g
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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.
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