Tunisia's inflation rate reached 5.3% in June 2026, according to consumer price indicators released by the National Institute of Statistics INS. This increase is primarily due to a slowdown in food price hikes, partially offset by accelerating prices for tobacco and leisure. The "Food and beverages" group saw its price growth rate return to 7.1% in June, down from 8.2% in May. Conversely, tobacco prices increased by 1% year-on-year, up from 0.8% the previous month, while "Leisure and culture" prices rose from 4.3% to 4.4%. Over the year, food product prices showed a 7.1% increase, with significant rises in lamb +18.3%, beef +13.6%, poultry +13.5%, fresh fish +11.7%, and fresh fruit +11%. In contrast, edible oil prices decreased by 5.5% and egg prices by 3.1%. Manufactured goods prices increased by 4.7% year-on-year, driven by higher prices for clothing and footwear +9.2% and household cleaning products +4.7%. Service prices rose by 4.3% over the year, mainly due to a 15.4% increase in accommodation services. The INS also reported that core inflation, excluding food and energy products, stood at 4.9% in June, up from 4.8% in May. Unregulated products saw an annual increase of 6.3%, compared to 1.3% for regulated products. For food products alone, unregulated prices rose by 8%, while regulated food prices increased by 0.2%. On a monthly basis, the consumer price index increased by 0.2% in June, mainly due to higher prices for clothing and footwear +1.7% and the "Restaurants, ca
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The National Coalition in Tunisia reported that a meeting scheduled for Sunday in Jendouba was prohibited, leading to strong condemnation from its leaders who view it as a further restriction on political freedoms. Neji Jalloul, the party's secretary general, and Haythem El Aouni, a leader, accused authorities of obstructing normal political activity. El Aouni stated on Facebook that the ban extends beyond a partisan meeting to the broader right of citizens to hear different political opinions, despite all administrative procedures, including official notification, having been followed. He described the shrinking political space as a dangerous message, implying that the public sphere tolerates only one voice. El Aouni contrasted a popular government with its ability to accept pluralism, asserting that a government confident in its popular support would not fear a meeting or a party presenting its program. He also linked the ban to broader national issues like the high cost of living, unemployment, deteriorating public services, and the economic crisis, affirming that the National Coalition will continue its peaceful political activities, viewing political freedom as a right, not a privilege. He concluded that when politics is managed by prohibition rather than persuasion, the crisis lies with governance, not the opposition. Following the meeting's cancellation, Jalloul reported that delegates were also prevented from sitting in cafes in Jendouba, questioning if they had becom
Iran held a large-scale national funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, July 5, 2026, marking the second day of ceremonies. Thousands of people attended, paralyzing the capital, Tehran. The event, described as both religious and political, took place at the Grand Mosalla complex, where Khamenei's coffin was displayed. Iranian flags, red banners symbolizing vengeance, and portraits of the late supreme leader were prominent. The authorities disseminated images highlighting the exceptional scale of the event, which was presented as a demonstration of power and unity amidst ongoing tensions with Israel and the United States.
The family of Lotfi Mra茂hi, president of the Popular Republican Union UPR and former presidential candidate, has released a video two years after his arrest, describing him as a "political prisoner" and a "detainee for freedom of expression." The video features his mother, wife, children, and associates, who share emotional testimonies about his incarceration. His mother expressed her longing to embrace him, while his wife spoke of the psychological toll on the family, emphasizing that Mra茂hi, a doctor, committed no crime but engaged in politics to help the country. His relatives view his imprisonment as a political maneuver to remove him from political activity and prevent his participation in elections, claiming that opponents are being neutralized through state means. They also recounted a forceful night-time search of their home during his arrest, which his mother said caused her to lose consciousness and led to a decline in her heart health. Despite the ordeal, the family remains supportive and proud of Mra茂hi for speaking his mind. The video concludes with a statement attributed to Mra茂hi from his cell, where he expresses no regret or bitterness about his political commitment and urges supporters to continue their engagement. This video, released on the second anniversary of his detention, aims to highlight the human and political dimensions of his case, portraying him as a victim of his views, an accusation consistently denied by Tunisian authorities.