🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Official 5% inflation rate in Tunisia does not reflect public sentiment, economist Moez Snoussi explains
via Business News5 min read
While Tunisia's National Institute of Statistics INS officially reported an inflation rate of 5% in March 2026, many Tunisians perceive a much higher surge in daily prices. Economist Moez Snoussi, speaking on Express FM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, clarified that the 5% figure represents an annual change, comparing prices from March 2026 to March 2025, rather than a monthly increase. He explained that this distinction is often misunderstood and contributes to the public's confusion. Snoussi attributed the discrepancy between official figures and public sentiment to the methodology used for calculating inflation. The price index relies on an average consumption basket, which may not accurately reflect individual household spending habits. Essential expenses, such as food, can experience significant price hikes but have a limited weight in the overall calculation. Consequently, even if official inflation remains contained, the cost of living can appear to soar. Snoussi emphasized that this public perception is legitimate and stems directly from methodological choices. He further highlighted the limitations of the reference basket, noting that certain significant expenses, like residential investment and housing construction, are excluded. Snoussi advocated for a revision of this indicator to better reflect the reality of household expenditures. He also mentioned other inflation measurement approaches, such as the GDP deflator, which covers all goods and services produced in the
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Mohamed Ali Nafti, Tunisia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, represented President Kaïs Saïed in Doha on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to offer condolences to Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nafti traveled to Lusail Palace at the instruction of the head of state to participate in the condolence ceremony. The minister conveyed President Saïed's condolences and sincere feelings of compassion to the deceased's family and the Qatari people. He also paid tribute to the Father Emir's role in Qatar's modern development and his contribution to the country's prosperity. Mohamed Ali Nafti highlighted the deceased's contribution to strengthening fraternal and cooperative relations between Tunisia and Qatar, recalling his attachment to Tunisia, its leaders, and its people. Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani asked the Tunisian minister to convey his warm greetings and the family's thanks to President Kaïs Saïed. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the development of fraternal relations between Tunisia and Qatar. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who came to power in 1995, significantly transformed his country through economic openness, infrastructure development, and active diplomacy. Qatar remains an important partner for Tunisia, particularly in economic, financial, and diplomatic spheres, with cooper
The European Commission is preparing a reform to prevent Chinese companies from winning contracts for projects funded by the European Union, following several Tunisian railway contracts awarded to the Chinese state-owned giant CRRC. According to the Italian agency Nova, the European executive is considering introducing a European preference clause in the next multi-annual financial framework 2028-2034 for markets funded by EU funds or guarantees. This consideration comes after CRRC secured two significant railway contracts in Tunisia. One contract, valued at approximately 90 million euros, is for the supply of 18 electric trains for the Tunis-La Goulette-La Marsa TGM line, co-financed by the European Investment Bank EIB and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EBRD. Another CRRC subsidiary reportedly won a 38.2 million euro contract from SNCFT for five electric trains for the Moknine-Mahdia line, also largely supported by international funding involving European institutions. European companies were reportedly disadvantaged by CRRC's significantly lower prices, making competition difficult based solely on cost. Brussels is concerned that European institutions finance these projects and bear the financial risks, while contracts are awarded to companies from third countries, often heavily subsidized by their governments. The issue extends beyond railway projects, with the new Bizerte bridge construction, awarded to the Chinese company Sichuan Road and Bridge, al
Tunisia is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures peaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. By 1 PM, several meteorological stations recorded temperatures well above 45°C, and one region even surpassed 48 degrees. The National Institute of Meteorology INM released a ranking of the hottest cities, with Nasrallah recording the highest at 48.2°C, followed by Jendouba at 48°C, Gaâfour at 46.5°C, and Béja at 45.7°C. Other cities like Sidi Bouzid, Meknassy, Nadhour, Kairouan, Medjez El Bab, and Oueslatia also saw temperatures exceeding 45°C. Several other localities, including Le Kef, Bir Ali Ben Khalifa, Aïn Boussaadia, Jammel, Dahmani, and Kondar, crossed the 44°C mark. Even regions typically less affected, such as Séliana, Bou Ghrara, and Skhira, registered temperatures above 43°C. The INM advises citizens to limit sun exposure during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, and exercise caution, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses.