Tunisia protests: Is there a trade-off between a strong economy and democracy?

Demonstrations have swept Tunisia due to government austerity measures, and the country’s democracy has advanced since its 2011 revolution that ushered in the Arab Spring. But does this transition come at a cost? Protests took place in ten towns across Tunisia Monday after the government enacted a series of price and tax increases to solve the country’s budget deficit. Rural economically disadvantaged cities in Tunisia’s interior such as Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid were hotspots during the revolution that took down Tunisian Dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali almost exactly seven years…

Boost for Tunisia after Tui’s ‘surprise’ return

Tui’s “surprise” decision to reinstate holidays to Tunisia is expected to help “restore faith” in the destination among UK agents and consumers. “More than the volume, it’s about growing credibility and rebuilding faith in Tunisia for 2018” The UK’s largest tour operator will resume flights to the North African destination on May 1, nearly three years after 33 of its customers were killed in the Sousse beach massacre. Tui joins Thomas Cook – which will resume Tunisia flights next month – in returning to the destination, alongside specialist operators such…

Dozens hurt, 200 arrested in new Tunisia unrest

More than 200 people were arrested and dozens hurt during clashes in several parts of Tunisia, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a second night of unrest driven by anger over austerity measures.  Ministry spokesman Khalifa Chibani told local radio that 49 police officers were wounded during clashes across the country and that 206 “troublemakers” were arrested. Properties were damaged, he said, including a branch of the Carrefour supermarket chain in the suburbs of Tunis that was looted. Police and army forces were deployed in several cities during the night, including in…