Thousands of Tunisians flocked to streets of Tunis on Friday and Saturday to protest against police brutality. The protests on Friday coincided with death anniversary of a prominent leftist leader &nbsp;Chokri Belaid who died in 2013. The protests were backed by Tunisia's powerful labour union. The protesters defied lockdown to decry police brutality and abuses. Demonstrators said that police brutality has imperilled freedoms won in 2011 revolution which triggered the 'Arab Spring'.

The day saw clashes between protesters and the police.

Police forces, wearing helmets and wielding batons, scuffled with protesters as tensions simmered at one point during the country's biggest demonstration in years.

Riot police deployed cordons around the city center, stopping both cars and many people from entering the streets around Avenue Habib Bourguiba as thousands of people gathered, a Reuters witness said.

"I lived 10 years in freedom ... I am not ready to lose it," said Haytem Ouslati, a 24-year old demonstrator. Protesters raised placards condemning police violence and chanted "No fear. The street belongs to the people."

Unlike previous marches in a wave of protests that have spread across Tunisia in recent weeks, Saturday's rally was backed by the UGTT union, the country's most powerful political organisation with a million members.

Samir Cheffi, a senior UGTT official, said the protest was needed to protect liberties. "Today is a cry of alarm to defend the revolution, to protect freedoms under threat," he said.

Protests which began last month over inequality have increasingly focused on the large number of arrests and reports - denied by the Interior Ministry - of abuse of detainees.

Mohammed Ammar, a member of parliament for the Attayar party, said he had phoned the prime minister to protest against the closure of central Tunis.

Protesters chanted against the moderate Islamist Ennahda party, a member of successive government coalitions, and reprised the Arab Spring slogan: "The people want the fall of the regime".

(With AFP inputs)

Thousands of Tunisians flocked to streets of Tunis on Friday and Saturday to protest against police brutality. The protests on Friday coincided with death anniversary of a prominent leftist leader Chokri Belaid who died in 2013.

Thousands of Tunisians flocked to streets of Tunis on Friday and Saturday to protest against police brutality. The protests on Friday coincided with death anniversary of a prominent leftist leader Chokri Belaid who died in 2013. The protests were backed by Tunisia's powerful labour union. The protesters defied lockdown to decry police brutality and abuses. Demonstrators said that police brutality has imperilled freedoms won in 2011 revolution which triggered the 'Arab Spring'. The day saw clashes between protesters and the police. Police forces, wearing helmets and wielding batons, scuffled with protesters as tensions simmered at one point during the country's biggest demonstration in years. Riot police deployed cordons around the city center, stopping both cars and many people from entering the streets around Avenue Habib Bourguiba as thousands of people gathered, a Reuters witness said. "I lived 10 years in freedom ... I am not ready to lose it," said Haytem Ouslati, a 24-year old demonstrator. Protesters raised placards condemning police violence and chanted "No fear. The street belongs to the people." Unlike previous marches in a wave of protests that have spread across Tunisia in recent weeks, Saturday's rally was backed by the UGTT union, the country's most powerful political organisation with a million members. Samir Cheffi, a senior UGTT official, said the protest was needed to protect liberties. "Today is a cry of alarm to defend the revolution, to protect freedoms under threat," he said. Protests which began last month over inequality have increasingly focused on the large number of arrests and reports - denied by the Interior Ministry - of abuse of detainees. Mohammed Ammar, a member of parliament for the Attayar party, said he had phoned the prime minister to protest against the closure of central Tunis. Protesters chanted against the moderate Islamist Ennahda party, a member of successive government coalitions, and reprised the Arab Spring slogan: "The people want the fall of the regime". (With AFP inputs)

Tunisia: Protesters clash with police on activist's death anniversary

According to human rights and other non-government groups, Tunisian security forces have arrested at least 1,000 people during six nights of protests.

1000 people arrested as protesters clashed with Police in Tunisia

Tunisian women who say they have long been excluded from the world of turntables and electronic music flock to a local DJ academy to help launch a career for themselves.

Tunisian women mix and perform thanks to all-female DJ academy

Hundreds of containers of household waste shipped from Italy to the northern African nation Tunisia.&nbsp;

These containers were supposed to be carrying plastic scraps for recycling, instead, they came up filled with rotten household waste.&nbsp;

Tunisia's law clearly says that such waste cannot be imported into the country.&nbsp;

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The Italian trash has triggered a storm as Tunisia's waste problem is massive and it struggles to dispose of its own waste.&nbsp;

A lot of waste in Tunisia finds itself in open air landfills.&nbsp;

The nation's environment minister was sacked and arrested and other people are also being questioned over accusations of importing hazardous waste.&nbsp;

<h2>Tunisia not the only exception</h2>

The global trade in waste is a murky business and illegal waste is the new money minter.&nbsp;

Organised criminal networks have jumped in and most of this waste finds itself in developing nations.&nbsp;

Shipments are often concealed as 'non-hazardous' and 'clean' plastic waste.&nbsp;

In most cases, port authorities don't even bother to check them twice.&nbsp;

In 2016, the plastic recycling market was valued at almost 35 billion dollars. By 2022, it is expected to become a 50 billion dollar industry.&nbsp;

And the big money attracting more and more criminal networks.&nbsp;

Most organised crime groups infiltrate the waste sector using their legitimate businesses as a front.&nbsp;

The garbage often ends up in developing nations that are not equipped to handle this.&nbsp;

The Interpol describes this as crime-driven pollution.

Now that Tunisia has raised a stink, West should understand that developing countries cannot be their dustbin.&nbsp;

Hundreds of containers of household waste shipped from Italy to the northern African nation Tunisia. These containers were supposed to be carrying plastic scraps for recycling, instead, they came up filled with rotten household waste.

Hundreds of containers of household waste shipped from Italy to the northern African nation Tunisia. These containers were supposed to be carrying plastic scraps for recycling, instead, they came up filled with rotten household waste. Tunisia's law clearly says that such waste cannot be imported into the country. Also read | China to fine restaurants for promoting overeating under anti-food waste campaign The Italian trash has triggered a storm as Tunisia's waste problem is massive and it struggles to dispose of its own waste. A lot of waste in Tunisia finds itself in open air landfills. The nation's environment minister was sacked and arrested and other people are also being questioned over accusations of importing hazardous waste. Tunisia not the only exception The global trade in waste is a murky business and illegal waste is the new money minter. Organised criminal networks have jumped in and most of this waste finds itself in developing nations. Shipments are often concealed as 'non-hazardous' and 'clean' plastic waste. In most cases, port authorities don't even bother to check them twice. In 2016, the plastic recycling market was valued at almost 35 billion dollars. By 2022, it is expected to become a 50 billion dollar industry. And the big money attracting more and more criminal networks. Most organised crime groups infiltrate the waste sector using their legitimate businesses as a front. The garbage often ends up in developing nations that are not equipped to handle this. The Interpol describes this as crime-driven pollution. Now that Tunisia has raised a stink, West should understand that developing countries cannot be their dustbin.

Tunisia acts after hazardous waste makes entry, other nations should follow suit

State of emergency declared in Tunisia five years ago has been extended by additional six months. The official statement from Tunisian President Kais Saied made the announcement.

"President Saied decided to extend the state of emergency in the entire territory of the republic for a period of six months, starting from December 26, 2020 until June 23, 2021," an official statement quoted the Tunisian leader as saying on Friday.

The state of emergency was first declared on November 24, 2015, following a deadly bomb attack on a bus of the presidential guards, killing 12 people.

Emergency gives exceptional powers to Tunisia's security forces.

It also allows to "ensure the control of the press" and for strikes and meetings that "create disorder" to be banned.

Few months before emergence was declared in Tunisia in 2015, the country witnessed the deadliest non-state attack in the country`s history when 38 people were killed. A gunman opened fire at tourist resort in Port El Kantaoui.

In March that year, 22 people, mostly tourists, were killed when three terrorists attacked the Bardo National Museum in the Tunisian capital city of Tunis.

All three attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) terror group.

(With agency inputs)

State of emergency declared in Tunisia five years ago has been extended by additional six months. The official statement from Tunisian President Kais Saied made the announcement.

State of emergency declared in Tunisia five years ago has been extended by additional six months. The official statement from Tunisian President Kais Saied made the announcement. "President Saied decided to extend the state of emergency in the entire territory of the republic for a period of six months, starting from December 26, 2020 until June 23, 2021," an official statement quoted the Tunisian leader as saying on Friday. The state of emergency was first declared on November 24, 2015, following a deadly bomb attack on a bus of the presidential guards, killing 12 people. Emergency gives exceptional powers to Tunisia's security forces. It also allows to "ensure the control of the press" and for strikes and meetings that "create disorder" to be banned. Few months before emergence was declared in Tunisia in 2015, the country witnessed the deadliest non-state attack in the country`s history when 38 people were killed. A gunman opened fire at tourist resort in Port El Kantaoui. In March that year, 22 people, mostly tourists, were killed when three terrorists attacked the Bardo National Museum in the Tunisian capital city of Tunis. All three attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) terror group. (With agency inputs)

Tunisia extends emergency by six months

Crime-driven pollution is growing bigger by the day & world is now paying a price for garbage. After a waste scandal in Tunisia, the environment minister has been arrested - alongside more than 100 people. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the story.

Gravitas: Organised crime wades into waste trade

Arab Spring's 10th anniversary: What was 21st century's biggest movement all about?

10 years since the Arab spring, why are countries that fought for dignity & democracy far from it? Is the fault in our understanding of what an uprising can achieve? WION's Palki Sharma tells you why to strengthen democracy, you must strengthen institutions.

Gravitas Plus: The Arab Spring at 10 years

The suspect, 21, had an Italian Red Cross document, issued after he arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa by migrant boat last month.

France church attacker arrived in Europe from Tunisia days ago

Tunisia has opened an investigation after reports that the suspect in the Nice attack is its national, the spokesman for a specialised counter-militancy court said on Thursday.

"The public prosecutor of the anti-terrorism court has opened a forensic investigation into the suspicion that a Tunisian committed a terrorist operation abroad," Mohsen Dali said.

The knife-wielding Tunisian national shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of Nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police.

Chief anti-terrorist prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said the suspect in Thursday's attack was a Tunisian man born in 1999 who had arrived in Europe on September 20 in Lampedusa, the Italian island off Tunisia that is the main landing point for migrants from Africa.

A Tunisian security source and a French police source named the suspect as Brahim Aouissaoui.

Ricard told a news conference in Nice that the man had entered the city by train early on Thursday morning and made his way to the church, where he stabbed and killed the 55-year-old sexton and beheaded a 60-year-old woman.

He also stabbed a 44-year-old woman who fled to a nearby cafe where she raised the alarm before dying, Ricard said. Police then arrived and confronted the attacker, still shouting "Allahu Akbar", and shot and wounded him.

The attack came just under two weeks after a middle-school teacher in a Paris suburb was beheaded by an 18-year-old attacker who was apparently incensed by the teacher showing a carton of the Prophet Mohammad in class.

To this end, President Emmanuel Macron said France would deploy thousands more soldiers to protect important sites such as places of worship and schools, as the country's security alert was raised to its highest level.

The suspect is in hospital in critical condition.

Tunisia's specialised counter-militancy court spokesman Mohsen Dali told Reuters that Aouissaoui was not listed by police there as a suspected militant.

Thursday's attack, on the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, came at a time of growing Muslim anger at France's defence of the right to publish the cartoons, and protesters have denounced France in street rallies in several Muslim-majority countries.

US President Donald Trump voiced sympathy for the people of France after the attack. "America stands with our oldest Ally in this fight. These Radical Islamic terrorist attacks must stop immediately. No country, France or otherwise can long put up with it!" Trump said in a Twitter post.

Condemnations of the attack also came from Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, whose President Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week slammed Macron and France over displays of the Prophet Mohammad.

Tunisia has opened an investigation after reports that the suspect in the Nice attack is its national, the spokesman for a specialised counter-militancy court said on Thursday.

Tunisia has opened an investigation after reports that the suspect in the Nice attack is its national, the spokesman for a specialised counter-militancy court said on Thursday. "The public prosecutor of the anti-terrorism court has opened a forensic investigation into the suspicion that a Tunisian committed a terrorist operation abroad," Mohsen Dali said. The knife-wielding Tunisian national shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of Nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police. Chief anti-terrorist prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said the suspect in Thursday's attack was a Tunisian man born in 1999 who had arrived in Europe on September 20 in Lampedusa, the Italian island off Tunisia that is the main landing point for migrants from Africa. A Tunisian security source and a French police source named the suspect as Brahim Aouissaoui. Ricard told a news conference in Nice that the man had entered the city by train early on Thursday morning and made his way to the church, where he stabbed and killed the 55-year-old sexton and beheaded a 60-year-old woman. He also stabbed a 44-year-old woman who fled to a nearby cafe where she raised the alarm before dying, Ricard said. Police then arrived and confronted the attacker, still shouting "Allahu Akbar", and shot and wounded him. The attack came just under two weeks after a middle-school teacher in a Paris suburb was beheaded by an 18-year-old attacker who was apparently incensed by the teacher showing a carton of the Prophet Mohammad in class. To this end, President Emmanuel Macron said France would deploy thousands more soldiers to protect important sites such as places of worship and schools, as the country's security alert was raised to its highest level. The suspect is in hospital in critical condition. Tunisia's specialised counter-militancy court spokesman Mohsen Dali told Reuters that Aouissaoui was not listed by police there as a suspected militant. Thursday's attack, on the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, came at a time of growing Muslim anger at France's defence of the right to publish the cartoons, and protesters have denounced France in street rallies in several Muslim-majority countries. US President Donald Trump voiced sympathy for the people of France after the attack. "America stands with our oldest Ally in this fight. These Radical Islamic terrorist attacks must stop immediately. No country, France or otherwise can long put up with it!" Trump said in a Twitter post. Condemnations of the attack also came from Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, whose President Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week slammed Macron and France over displays of the Prophet Mohammad.

Tunisia opens investigation into France terror attack suspect

The number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores has more than doubled in the last year as an economic crisis in Tunisia fuels migration in boats across the Mediterranean, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on Saturday.

More than 21,000 people reached Italy between August 2019 and the end of July, up 148 per cent year-on-year, the minister said, speaking at an annual Aug. 15 press conference.

Lamorgese said the majority of the arrivals were “autonomous landings, hard to manage... with small boats and dinghies”, rather than those rescued at sea and brought ashore. Many of them land on Italy’s southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa.

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In the 12-month period, just over 5,000 people were rescued, mainly by ships operated by NGOs, according to data from the ministry.

Over 80 per cent of the migrants reaching Italy left from Tunisia and Libya, the data showed, with Tunisia’s crisis stoking the numbers attempting the treacherous crossing.

“The numbers aren’t very high - they are certainly higher than last year’s but we must put them into context: Tunisia is in a deep economic, social and political crisis,” Lamorgese told reporters.

“We have seen entire families leave to reach Italian territory.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-italy-threaten-sanctions-over-arms-for-libya-314396">Also read:&nbsp;France, Germany, Italy threaten sanctions over arms for Libya</a>

For years Italy has been the primary route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and other migrants and Libya’s west coast a main departure point for African migrants hoping to reach Europe.

A peak was reached between August 2016 and July 2017, when almost 183,000 migrants reached Italy.

Numbers started falling due to an Italian-led effort to disrupt smuggling networks and support the Libyan coastguard to intercept boats, but have picked up in 2020.

Lamorgese’s predecessor, head of the anti-immigrant League party Matteo Salvini, took a hardline against charity ships that rescued migrants at sea, closing Italian ports and accusing the rescue groups of de facto collaboration with human traffickers.

Lamorgese said that she would meet Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday to discuss the issue, along with Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio and EU Commissioners Ylva Johansson and Olivér Várhelyi.

The number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores has more than doubled in the last year as an economic crisis in Tunisia fuels migration in boats across the Mediterranean, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on Saturday.

The number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores has more than doubled in the last year as an economic crisis in Tunisia fuels migration in boats across the Mediterranean, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on Saturday. More than 21,000 people reached Italy between August 2019 and the end of July, up 148 per cent year-on-year, the minister said, speaking at an annual Aug. 15 press conference. Lamorgese said the majority of the arrivals were “autonomous landings, hard to manage... with small boats and dinghies”, rather than those rescued at sea and brought ashore. Many of them land on Italy’s southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa. Also read: Italy approves outpatient use for abortion pill In the 12-month period, just over 5,000 people were rescued, mainly by ships operated by NGOs, according to data from the ministry. Over 80 per cent of the migrants reaching Italy left from Tunisia and Libya, the data showed, with Tunisia’s crisis stoking the numbers attempting the treacherous crossing. “The numbers aren’t very high - they are certainly higher than last year’s but we must put them into context: Tunisia is in a deep economic, social and political crisis,” Lamorgese told reporters. “We have seen entire families leave to reach Italian territory.” Also read: France, Germany, Italy threaten sanctions over arms for Libya For years Italy has been the primary route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and other migrants and Libya’s west coast a main departure point for African migrants hoping to reach Europe. A peak was reached between August 2016 and July 2017, when almost 183,000 migrants reached Italy. Numbers started falling due to an Italian-led effort to disrupt smuggling networks and support the Libyan coastguard to intercept boats, but have picked up in 2020. Lamorgese’s predecessor, head of the anti-immigrant League party Matteo Salvini, took a hardline against charity ships that rescued migrants at sea, closing Italian ports and accusing the rescue groups of de facto collaboration with human traffickers. Lamorgese said that she would meet Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday to discuss the issue, along with Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio and EU Commissioners Ylva Johansson and Olivér Várhelyi.

Number of migrants landing in Italy more than doubles in past year

Wearing a long green outfit that flows around his body as he dances on stage, 27-year-old Achref El Abed says he is defying gender roles in his native Tunisia by choosing a career as a male bellydancer.

Tunisian male belly dancer sways away from gender norms

July 25 in history: Tunisia gains independence, birth of world's first test-tube baby and more

At least five Tunisian parties plan to launch a vote of no confidence in parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi who has been accused of partisan interests, while members of his moderate Islamist Ennahda party have called for a new government, escalating the country`s political crisis.

The no-confidence motion poses the biggest challenge yet to Ennahda, which first took power following the Arab Spring uprising, but was forced to step down in 2013 after a series of protests.

Pressure on the government has mounted in recent weeks after opponents called for the resignation of Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh over an alleged conflict of interest.

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On Sunday, Ennahda, the main party in the ruling coalition, said it supported calls to change the government.

Ennahda said that it wants "to hold talks to form a strong new government because this government lost credibility after suspicion of conflict of interest involving the prime minister," Imed Khmiri a senior official in Ennahda told Reuters.

Fakhfakh has rejected accusations of corruption after an independent member of parliament published documents last month indicating that companies the prime minister owns shares in had won deals worth 44 million dinars ($15 million) from the state.

Mohammed Ammar from Attayar party, said that a group of parliamentary blocs agreed to start the process of withdrawing confidence from the speaker, citing numerous violations, poor management and unilateral decisions that serve partisan interests.

These blocs include the Tahya Tounes, Attayar, Chaab and Reform parties, which are in the coalition with Ennahda. 
The Free Constitutional party led by Abir Moussi, a supporter of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali overthrown by the 2011 revolution, has campaigned to oust Ghannouchi for weeks.

Moussi`s party accused Ghannouchi of serving the Muslim Brotherhood’s agenda and foreign allies, including Turkey and Qatar.

Ghannouchi has rejected these accusations, arguing that Tunisians want a government focused on economic and social policy, not political in-fighting.

Procedures for withdrawing confidence require the signature of 73 members of the house for it to be put to a public vote. To succeed, 109 lawmakers will need to vote for no-confidence.

The five parties have about 90 members.

At least five Tunisian parties plan to launch a vote of no confidence in parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi who has been accused of partisan interests, while members of his moderate Islamist Ennahda party have called for a new government, escalating the country`s political crisis.

At least five Tunisian parties plan to launch a vote of no confidence in parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi who has been accused of partisan interests, while members of his moderate Islamist Ennahda party have called for a new government, escalating the country`s political crisis. The no-confidence motion poses the biggest challenge yet to Ennahda, which first took power following the Arab Spring uprising, but was forced to step down in 2013 after a series of protests. Pressure on the government has mounted in recent weeks after opponents called for the resignation of Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh over an alleged conflict of interest. Also read: Polish presidential election too close to call, incumbent marginally ahead On Sunday, Ennahda, the main party in the ruling coalition, said it supported calls to change the government. Ennahda said that it wants "to hold talks to form a strong new government because this government lost credibility after suspicion of conflict of interest involving the prime minister," Imed Khmiri a senior official in Ennahda told Reuters. Fakhfakh has rejected accusations of corruption after an independent member of parliament published documents last month indicating that companies the prime minister owns shares in had won deals worth 44 million dinars ($15 million) from the state. Mohammed Ammar from Attayar party, said that a group of parliamentary blocs agreed to start the process of withdrawing confidence from the speaker, citing numerous violations, poor management and unilateral decisions that serve partisan interests. These blocs include the Tahya Tounes, Attayar, Chaab and Reform parties, which are in the coalition with Ennahda. The Free Constitutional party led by Abir Moussi, a supporter of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali overthrown by the 2011 revolution, has campaigned to oust Ghannouchi for weeks. Moussi`s party accused Ghannouchi of serving the Muslim Brotherhood’s agenda and foreign allies, including Turkey and Qatar. Ghannouchi has rejected these accusations, arguing that Tunisians want a government focused on economic and social policy, not political in-fighting. Procedures for withdrawing confidence require the signature of 73 members of the house for it to be put to a public vote. To succeed, 109 lawmakers will need to vote for no-confidence. The five parties have about 90 members.

Tunisian parties seek to oust parliament speaker, Islamists want new government

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in.&nbsp;

WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? 
Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control.

They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world.

We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals.

Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May

 
WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. 
Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi.

So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here.

On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May.

WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. 
Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family.

I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge.

WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... 
Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. &nbsp;The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year.

Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India.&nbsp;

WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world?&nbsp; 
Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts.

Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies.

In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.&nbsp;

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in. WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control. They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world. We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals. Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi. So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here. On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May. WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family. I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge. WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year. Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India. WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world? Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts. Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies. In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.

Tunisian military plane enroute to East Asia brings back 25 stranded Indians; Indian envoy Kundal thanks the govt

Belly dancer live-streams performance to Tunisians on lockdown. Dressed in a shiny belly dance costume, Nermine Sfar twirls to Arabic pop music while live-streaming her performance straight from her living room. One of her videos was watched by some 130,000 people on Facebook.

Belly dancer live-streams performance to Tunisians on lockdown

Suicide bombers targeted the US embassy in Tunisia killing at least one police officer and injuring four&nbsp;people.

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Emergency personnel are responding to an explosion that occurred near the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.
— U.S. Embassy Tunis (@usembassytunis) <a href="https://twitter.com/usembassytunis/status/1235882485743071234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Two terrorists on a motorbike blew themselves up as they tried to enter the embassy which was prevented by the police.

Tunisia's interior ministry said two terrorists were killed while carrying out the attack with four&nbsp;policemen injured.

Authorities immediately put up roadblocks and evacuated international institutions.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Suicide bombers targeted the US embassy in Tunisia killing at least one police officer and injuring four people. Emergency personnel are responding to an explosion that occurred near the U.

Suicide bombers targeted the US embassy in Tunisia killing at least one police officer and injuring four people. Emergency personnel are responding to an explosion that occurred near the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates. — U.S. Embassy Tunis (@usembassytunis) March 6, 2020 × Two terrorists on a motorbike blew themselves up as they tried to enter the embassy which was prevented by the police. Tunisia's interior ministry said two terrorists were killed while carrying out the attack with four policemen injured. Authorities immediately put up roadblocks and evacuated international institutions. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Suicide bombers target US embassy in Tunisia; one police officer killed

Around 40 young Tunisian volunteers gather on a bare hill in the central region of Siliana

Tunisia's tree volunteers to the rescue

Ahead of external affairs minister S Jaishankar's Tunisia visit, Tunisian envoy to India Nejmeddine Lakhal lauded New Delhi role on its partnership with Africa and said his country shares its outlook with India on "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lakhal said as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Tunisia and India will discuss many things of common interest at the multilateral during Jaishankar's visit.

WION: How do you see the India-Tunisia ties?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: Since the establishment of Diplomatic relations in 1958, ties between our two friendly countries has grown steadily - both on bilateral and multilateral levels. Today, Tunisia and India enjoy warm and cordial relations founded on mutual respect and trust, Common universal values and principals, and shares apprehensions and views on many regional and international issues and challenges, including sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.&nbsp;

The decisions and recommendations of the 12 sessions of the Tunisian-Indian Joint Committee held in Delhi in October 2017, and the adoption of a visionary “roadmap” on that occasion, are expected to give a new dimension to the Tunisian- Indian partnership in many key sectors and areas of common interest. Today Tunisia-India are stronger, and we are working to make the future even brighter for the benefit of Tunisian and Indian people.

WION: Indian external affairs minister is set to visit Tunisia, what will be the top focus?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: The second official visit of an Indian minister of external affairs to Tunisia since 1958. Dr Jaishankar’s visit to Tunisia will be an ideal opportunity to discuss not only bilateral issues, but also multilateral questions of common interest, in particular in light of Tunisia’s UNSC non-permanent membership in 2020-2021, and India's candidacy to the same seat for 2021-2022.&nbsp;

So, we are looking forward to His Excellency's visit to Tunisia, and for the high-level meetings he will have in Tunisia, including on the “Fifth session of the Bilateral Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs” to further boost and diversify the areas and sectors of partnership between our two, and for “the 13 session of Tunisia-India Joint Meeting”, to consolidate coordination and concertation between our two countries on regional and international issues of common interest.

WION: Can we expect a high-level visit from either side?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: Definitely, we are always looking for a high-level visit to India, and 2020 could be the year to have such visits.

WION: How do you see India's development aid, India helping in the establishment of soil, water and tissue testing Laboratory in Tunis?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: The establishment of soil, water and tissue testing laboratory project within the India-Africa Forum Summit is just one of the example of Tunisia-India partnership. There are many other sectors where our cooperation is moving forward, including TICs, energy, biotechnology and sciences. With our firm commitment to increase and promote trade, investment and economic between our countries, I am confident that we will be able to make a huge difference in the years to come.

WION: This year, India-Africa summit will take place, what expectations do you have from the summit and have the preparations begun?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: Yes, the preparations for the next the India-Africa Forum Summit is underway.&nbsp;

We already had a mid-term review meeting of the strategic cooperation framework of Africa-India Forum Summit III in New Delhi from September 11-19 last year. The meeting was attended by representatives from the ministry of external affairs, a delegation from the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and representatives of the African Diplomatic Corps in Delhi.&nbsp;

Many other meetings will take place to make sure and the next summit will be another success. I would to take this opportunity to commend support that India is providing to Africa’s development, and Tunisia looks forward to working closely with India for the success of the next session to be held in India in September, 2020. And given its rich and solid expertise in many development areas, Tunisia is ready to partner with India for the implementation of the “IAFS IV” development projects in the African Francophone region of Africa in particular.

WION: How are both countries, working together to fight the scourge of terrorism?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: Terrorism is a significant threat to our societies, global peace and security, and to our shared values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Like India, Tunisia has steadfastly maintained “zero tolerance” on&nbsp;terror and violence and strongly condemns terrorism, that has hit both our countries hard.

Tunisia’s position is firm and unequivocal on terrorism anywhere in line with its national policy and its international commitments. Today, no state is immune from the threat of terrorism. However rich or powerful, no single country can defeat terror alone or face the current challenges posed today by various terrorist&nbsp;entities. Only through a strong and constructive international cooperation that we can effectively deal with this major danger.

WION: You are part of OIC, as member of OIC, do you think India should be part of it?

Nejmeddine Lakhal: This is India’s decision. Only India can reply to this question.

Ahead of external affairs minister S Jaishankar's Tunisia visit, Tunisian envoy to India Nejmeddine Lakhal lauded New Delhi role on its partnership with Africa and said his country shares its outlook with India on "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism.

Ahead of external affairs minister S Jaishankar's Tunisia visit, Tunisian envoy to India Nejmeddine Lakhal lauded New Delhi role on its partnership with Africa and said his country shares its outlook with India on "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lakhal said as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Tunisia and India will discuss many things of common interest at the multilateral during Jaishankar's visit. WION: How do you see the India-Tunisia ties? Nejmeddine Lakhal: Since the establishment of Diplomatic relations in 1958, ties between our two friendly countries has grown steadily - both on bilateral and multilateral levels. Today, Tunisia and India enjoy warm and cordial relations founded on mutual respect and trust, Common universal values and principals, and shares apprehensions and views on many regional and international issues and challenges, including sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity. The decisions and recommendations of the 12 sessions of the Tunisian-Indian Joint Committee held in Delhi in October 2017, and the adoption of a visionary “roadmap” on that occasion, are expected to give a new dimension to the Tunisian- Indian partnership in many key sectors and areas of common interest. Today Tunisia-India are stronger, and we are working to make the future even brighter for the benefit of Tunisian and Indian people. WION: Indian external affairs minister is set to visit Tunisia, what will be the top focus? Nejmeddine Lakhal: The second official visit of an Indian minister of external affairs to Tunisia since 1958. Dr Jaishankar’s visit to Tunisia will be an ideal opportunity to discuss not only bilateral issues, but also multilateral questions of common interest, in particular in light of Tunisia’s UNSC non-permanent membership in 2020-2021, and India's candidacy to the same seat for 2021-2022. So, we are looking forward to His Excellency's visit to Tunisia, and for the high-level meetings he will have in Tunisia, including on the “Fifth session of the Bilateral Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs” to further boost and diversify the areas and sectors of partnership between our two, and for “the 13 session of Tunisia-India Joint Meeting”, to consolidate coordination and concertation between our two countries on regional and international issues of common interest. WION: Can we expect a high-level visit from either side? Nejmeddine Lakhal: Definitely, we are always looking for a high-level visit to India, and 2020 could be the year to have such visits. WION: How do you see India's development aid, India helping in the establishment of soil, water and tissue testing Laboratory in Tunis? Nejmeddine Lakhal: The establishment of soil, water and tissue testing laboratory project within the India-Africa Forum Summit is just one of the example of Tunisia-India partnership. There are many other sectors where our cooperation is moving forward, including TICs, energy, biotechnology and sciences. With our firm commitment to increase and promote trade, investment and economic between our countries, I am confident that we will be able to make a huge difference in the years to come. WION: This year, India-Africa summit will take place, what expectations do you have from the summit and have the preparations begun? Nejmeddine Lakhal: Yes, the preparations for the next the India-Africa Forum Summit is underway. We already had a mid-term review meeting of the strategic cooperation framework of Africa-India Forum Summit III in New Delhi from September 11-19 last year. The meeting was attended by representatives from the ministry of external affairs, a delegation from the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and representatives of the African Diplomatic Corps in Delhi. Many other meetings will take place to make sure and the next summit will be another success. I would to take this opportunity to commend support that India is providing to Africa’s development, and Tunisia looks forward to working closely with India for the success of the next session to be held in India in September, 2020. And given its rich and solid expertise in many development areas, Tunisia is ready to partner with India for the implementation of the “IAFS IV” development projects in the African Francophone region of Africa in particular. WION: How are both countries, working together to fight the scourge of terrorism? Nejmeddine Lakhal: Terrorism is a significant threat to our societies, global peace and security, and to our shared values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Like India, Tunisia has steadfastly maintained “zero tolerance” on terror and violence and strongly condemns terrorism, that has hit both our countries hard. Tunisia’s position is firm and unequivocal on terrorism anywhere in line with its national policy and its international commitments. Today, no state is immune from the threat of terrorism. However rich or powerful, no single country can defeat terror alone or face the current challenges posed today by various terrorist entities. Only through a strong and constructive international cooperation that we can effectively deal with this major danger. WION: You are part of OIC, as member of OIC, do you think India should be part of it? Nejmeddine Lakhal: This is India’s decision. Only India can reply to this question.

Ahead of Jaishankar's visit, Tunisia lauds India's partnership with Africa

What progress has Tunisia achieved after the 2011 Jasmine Revolution? How did the Arab spring shape the world? WION spoke to the Ambassador of Tunisia to India, Nejmeddine Lakhal to know more on this. Tunisia has also removed visa requirements for Indians travelling to the North African country. Can it attract more tourists with this move? Former Indian diplomat and show host Arun K. Singh talks to Mr. Lakhal on the evolving ties between the two countries in The Diplomacy Show.

The Diplomacy Show with the Ambassador of Tunisia to India, Nejmeddine Lakhal

The health ministry said late Sunday that 17 people were also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bus-accident-kills-22-in-northern-tunisia-265583">injured in the accident</a> in a mountainous region popular with Tunisian tourists.

The disaster was one of the most deadly accidents in a country whose poor road safety record has sparked criticism of officials.

All those aboard the bus were Tunisian, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The bus had set off from Tunis towards the picturesque northern mountain town of Ain Draham, a popular autumn destination for domestic visitors.

The interior ministry had earlier reported the deaths of 22 out of the 43 people aboard, saying the bus had "fallen into a ravine after crashing through an iron barrier".

The health ministry said later that four more passengers had died of their injuries.

An AFP team that visited the site saw the twisted remains of the bus in the ravine near a river bed, surrounded by scattered bodies.

The top of the bus appeared to have been torn off and seats were strewn across the site.

President Kais Saied and outgoing Prime Minister Youssef Chahed later visited the site.

It was not immediately clear what caused the accident and forensic experts are investigating, but Tunisia's poorly-maintained roads have a reputation for being dangerous.

The World Health Organisation in 2015 reported that Tunisia had the second-worst traffic death rate per capita in North Africa, behind only war-torn Libya.

The accident triggered renewed public anger over what one social media user called the country's "roads of death".

The health ministry said late Sunday that 17 people were also injured in the accident in a mountainous region popular with Tunisian tourists. The disaster was one of the most deadly accidents in a country whose poor road safety record has sparked criticism of officials.

The health ministry said late Sunday that 17 people were also injured in the accident in a mountainous region popular with Tunisian tourists. The disaster was one of the most deadly accidents in a country whose poor road safety record has sparked criticism of officials. All those aboard the bus were Tunisian, the ministry said. The bus had set off from Tunis towards the picturesque northern mountain town of Ain Draham, a popular autumn destination for domestic visitors. The interior ministry had earlier reported the deaths of 22 out of the 43 people aboard, saying the bus had "fallen into a ravine after crashing through an iron barrier". The health ministry said later that four more passengers had died of their injuries. An AFP team that visited the site saw the twisted remains of the bus in the ravine near a river bed, surrounded by scattered bodies. The top of the bus appeared to have been torn off and seats were strewn across the site. President Kais Saied and outgoing Prime Minister Youssef Chahed later visited the site. It was not immediately clear what caused the accident and forensic experts are investigating, but Tunisia's poorly-maintained roads have a reputation for being dangerous. The World Health Organisation in 2015 reported that Tunisia had the second-worst traffic death rate per capita in North Africa, behind only war-torn Libya. The accident triggered renewed public anger over what one social media user called the country's "roads of death".

Tunisia: Death toll in bus accident rises to 26

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced, that he planned to step down, saying on state television he would ask his ruling Labour Party to start a process on January 12 to choose a new leader for the country.

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announces step down

Tunisia's new President Kais Saied took the oath of office on Wednesday after his surprise election victory over champions of the political establishment.

Saied, a conservative academic with no previous political experience who won the overwhelming support of younger voters in an October 13 runoff, was sworn in before members of the constituent assembly and other top state bodies.

Tunisia's new President Kais Saied took the oath of office on Wednesday after his surprise election victory over champions of the political establishment. Saied, a conservative academic with no previous political experience who won the overwhelming support of younger voters in an October 13 runoff, was sworn in before members of the constituent assembly and other top state bodies.

New Tunisia President Kais Saied sworn in after poll victory

Retired academic Kais Saied is set to become Tunisia's next president after a landslide victory in Sunday's vote.

Why elections in Tunisia matter?

Conservative political outsider Kais Saeid has won <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outsider-saied-set-for-landslide-in-tunisia-presidency-exit-polls-255874">Tunisia's presidential election</a> by a landslide taking 72.71 per cent of the votes, the North African country's electoral commission said Monday.

Saied garnered 2.7 million votes against one million received by his rival business tycoon Nabil Karoui in Sunday's runoff, the commission said.

The vote -- the second presidential election since 2014 -- reflected Tunisia's shifting political landscape since the 2011 Arab Spring uprising that ousted an autocratic regime.

Saied, a retired law professor with a rigid and austere demeanour that earned him the nickname "Robocop", was carried to victory by young voters, wooed by his anti-establishment platform.

Around 90 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 per cent of voters over 60.

According to Tunisian law, the results can still be appealed within two weeks before the new president is sworn in at the end of the month.

The electoral commission ISIE said turnout was 55 per cent, slightly lower from an initial figure of 58 per cent announced Sunday after the runoff.

It noted however that turnout was higher than during the first round on September 15.

Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation.

The poll, Tunisia's second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. 
&nbsp;

Conservative political outsider Kais Saeid has won Tunisia's presidential election by a landslide taking 72.71 per cent of the votes, the North African country's electoral commission said Monday.

Conservative political outsider Kais Saeid has won Tunisia's presidential election by a landslide taking 72.71 per cent of the votes, the North African country's electoral commission said Monday. Saied garnered 2.7 million votes against one million received by his rival business tycoon Nabil Karoui in Sunday's runoff, the commission said. The vote -- the second presidential election since 2014 -- reflected Tunisia's shifting political landscape since the 2011 Arab Spring uprising that ousted an autocratic regime. Saied, a retired law professor with a rigid and austere demeanour that earned him the nickname "Robocop", was carried to victory by young voters, wooed by his anti-establishment platform. Around 90 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 per cent of voters over 60. According to Tunisian law, the results can still be appealed within two weeks before the new president is sworn in at the end of the month. The electoral commission ISIE said turnout was 55 per cent, slightly lower from an initial figure of 58 per cent announced Sunday after the runoff. It noted however that turnout was higher than during the first round on September 15. Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation. The poll, Tunisia's second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July.

Kais Saied elected Tunisian president by 72.71%: Commission

A retired law professor with an awkward public manner, little money, no political party and a commitment to an experimental form of direct democracy looks set to be Tunisia's new president.

Two exit polls projected that Kais Saied handily won Sunday's runoff election against media magnate Nabil Karoui, though no formal results have been announced.

Saied won the support of both Islamists and leftists, though his radical but socially conservative politics do not neatly chime with either group. It has left both his critics and supporters scrambling to define him.

"I did not make traditional promises or a traditional programme...but new ideas that can be realised..today we entered a new stage in the history of Tunisia," he told Reuters after the first round of the election in September.

Tunisians also gave him most votes in the first round against an array of veteran political leaders, the sharpest rejection of Tunisia's ruling elite since the 2011 uprising that ushered in democratic rule.

"He convinced us that change is possible and in our own hands," said Bassam Naffati, a 22-year-old biology student who volunteered for Saied's campaign.

The balding, 61-year-old, speaking in his usual ultra-formal style of classical Arabic, has described his success as "like a new revolution".

Though he did well in opinion polls for months, his lack of an established political or media base made him something of a dark horse and a less familiar figure to many Tunisians than Karoui.

Both are relative outsiders, but they are very different.

The wealthy, slickly presented Karoui has a television station and a large election team. He spent most of the election period in custody on suspicion of tax evasion and money laundering, which he denies.

Supporters of Saied, who spent so little on his campaign that Tunisians say it cost the price of a coffee and a packet of cigarettes, present him as a paragon of personal integrity.

Austerity

His austere approach is plain in his campaign headquarters: a small upstairs apartment in an old downtown building with no elevator, broken windows and peeling paintwork equipped with little more than a small television and some plastic chairs.

"I knew him up close in 2011 after the revolution, during the first movement of youth against the old guard. He was one of the few who understood our demands. He listened to us," said Sonia Chriti, 40, a former student of Saied.

A former law faculty colleague, Jawher Ben Mubarek, said that during those tumultuous days they would wander late into the night through the narrow streets of the Kasbah and the grand colonial boulevards downtown, discussing politics.

"We would stop a lot and talk to the protesters about their demands," he said.

In his office, the supporters gathered there included hijab-wearing conservatives, left-wing students, unemployed workers, and university professors.

His conservative social views - favouring the death penalty and opposing homosexuality and equal inheritance for men and women - appear to have won him much support among Islamists.

However, Ben Mubarek, who has known Saied for many years, says he is neither an Islamist nor a fundamentalist. He has spoken against changing the constitution to base it on Islamic law and his wife, a judge, does not wear a headscarf.

He has urged a crackdown on foreign money in Tunisia, including on spending by non-government and civil society organisations, which he sees threatening Tunisian society.

The stripped-back campaign had no formal manager, but Saied's closest adviser is Rida Mekki, a veteran leftwinger whose popular nickname is "Rida Lenin". It was their collaboration over the past few years that pushed him from being an academic into politics, said Ben Mubarek.

'Eaten&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;donkey'

Saied was in the committee of experts that helped parliament draft Tunisia's post-revolution constitution, adopted in 2014, and was sometimes invited on to television as a commentator. He was first noticed publicly when asked what stage the draft constitution was in, he said: "It has been eaten by a donkey".

The remark underscored his contempt for party politics and a directly elected parliament, something he wants Tunisia to entirely abandon in favour of a "democracy of individuals".

He wants Tunisians to elect small local councils based on the character of their representatives rather than party or ideology. They would in turn choose regional representatives who would choose national ones.

"Power must belong to people directly," Saied said.

With politicians in Tunis dominating the post-revolutionary era, a period that included great economic disappointment, that sort of radical decentralisation appeals to many of those who rose up across the country eight years ago.

"We demanded the dignity and development of the marginalized regions... his proposal was to strengthen decentralization in governance, and the voting system is the first step in giving more dignity and development to those regions," said Chriti.

Saied appears to stand little chance of implementing this system. Changing the constitution needs a two-thirds majority in parliament, which is deeply fragmented after last week's legislative election.

How "Robocop", as some social media users dubbed him for the mechanical timbre of his voice, handles the frustrations of political life may determine what sort of president he would be.

A retired law professor with an awkward public manner, little money, no political party and a commitment to an experimental form of direct democracy looks set to be Tunisia's new president.

A retired law professor with an awkward public manner, little money, no political party and a commitment to an experimental form of direct democracy looks set to be Tunisia's new president. Two exit polls projected that Kais Saied handily won Sunday's runoff election against media magnate Nabil Karoui, though no formal results have been announced. Saied won the support of both Islamists and leftists, though his radical but socially conservative politics do not neatly chime with either group. It has left both his critics and supporters scrambling to define him. "I did not make traditional promises or a traditional programme...but new ideas that can be realised..today we entered a new stage in the history of Tunisia," he told Reuters after the first round of the election in September. Tunisians also gave him most votes in the first round against an array of veteran political leaders, the sharpest rejection of Tunisia's ruling elite since the 2011 uprising that ushered in democratic rule. "He convinced us that change is possible and in our own hands," said Bassam Naffati, a 22-year-old biology student who volunteered for Saied's campaign. The balding, 61-year-old, speaking in his usual ultra-formal style of classical Arabic, has described his success as "like a new revolution". Though he did well in opinion polls for months, his lack of an established political or media base made him something of a dark horse and a less familiar figure to many Tunisians than Karoui. Both are relative outsiders, but they are very different. The wealthy, slickly presented Karoui has a television station and a large election team. He spent most of the election period in custody on suspicion of tax evasion and money laundering, which he denies. Supporters of Saied, who spent so little on his campaign that Tunisians say it cost the price of a coffee and a packet of cigarettes, present him as a paragon of personal integrity. Austerity His austere approach is plain in his campaign headquarters: a small upstairs apartment in an old downtown building with no elevator, broken windows and peeling paintwork equipped with little more than a small television and some plastic chairs. "I knew him up close in 2011 after the revolution, during the first movement of youth against the old guard. He was one of the few who understood our demands. He listened to us," said Sonia Chriti, 40, a former student of Saied. A former law faculty colleague, Jawher Ben Mubarek, said that during those tumultuous days they would wander late into the night through the narrow streets of the Kasbah and the grand colonial boulevards downtown, discussing politics. "We would stop a lot and talk to the protesters about their demands," he said. In his office, the supporters gathered there included hijab-wearing conservatives, left-wing students, unemployed workers, and university professors. His conservative social views - favouring the death penalty and opposing homosexuality and equal inheritance for men and women - appear to have won him much support among Islamists. However, Ben Mubarek, who has known Saied for many years, says he is neither an Islamist nor a fundamentalist. He has spoken against changing the constitution to base it on Islamic law and his wife, a judge, does not wear a headscarf. He has urged a crackdown on foreign money in Tunisia, including on spending by non-government and civil society organisations, which he sees threatening Tunisian society. The stripped-back campaign had no formal manager, but Saied's closest adviser is Rida Mekki, a veteran leftwinger whose popular nickname is "Rida Lenin". It was their collaboration over the past few years that pushed him from being an academic into politics, said Ben Mubarek. 'Eaten by a donkey' Saied was in the committee of experts that helped parliament draft Tunisia's post-revolution constitution, adopted in 2014, and was sometimes invited on to television as a commentator. He was first noticed publicly when asked what stage the draft constitution was in, he said: "It has been eaten by a donkey". The remark underscored his contempt for party politics and a directly elected parliament, something he wants Tunisia to entirely abandon in favour of a "democracy of individuals". He wants Tunisians to elect small local councils based on the character of their representatives rather than party or ideology. They would in turn choose regional representatives who would choose national ones. "Power must belong to people directly," Saied said. With politicians in Tunis dominating the post-revolutionary era, a period that included great economic disappointment, that sort of radical decentralisation appeals to many of those who rose up across the country eight years ago. "We demanded the dignity and development of the marginalized regions... his proposal was to strengthen decentralization in governance, and the voting system is the first step in giving more dignity and development to those regions," said Chriti. Saied appears to stand little chance of implementing this system. Changing the constitution needs a two-thirds majority in parliament, which is deeply fragmented after last week's legislative election. How "Robocop", as some social media users dubbed him for the mechanical timbre of his voice, handles the frustrations of political life may determine what sort of president he would be.

The former professor out to remake Tunisian politics

Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/media-mogul-academic-face-off-as-tunisians-choose-president-255611">Tunisia's presidential runoff</a>, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said.

In a contest that reflected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outsiders-battle-political-elite-as-tunisia-votes-254065">Tunisia</a>'s shifting post-revolution political landscape, Saied, an independent, scooped 72.5 per cent of the vote according to the Emrhod exit poll on Sunday, and 76.9 per cent in the Sigma one -- over 40 points ahead of Karoui.

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tunis to celebrate Saied's victory, honking horns and singing the national anthem.

"It's a historic day: Tunisia is reaping the fruits of the revolution," said Boussairi Abidi, a 39-year-old mechanic. "Kais Saied is going to put an end to corruption, he will be a fair <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisias-ex-president-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-dies-in-exile-250697">president</a>."

The official results are expected Monday.

In his first reaction, Saied thanked the country's young people "for turning a new page", and vowed to try to build "a new Tunisia".

Around 90 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 per cent of voters over 60.

"Kais Saied, voice of the people," a gathered crowd chanted. "Long live Tunisia!"

"We are very happy. Tunisia has an honest man at the helm now. The difference between the two candidates was the work he has been doing," said Mustafa El Ghali, a family member.

The runoff was contested by two political newcomers -- pitting Saied, nicknamed "Robocop", against businessman, Karoui, who is dubbed Tunisia's "Berlusconi".

They trounced the old guard in a September 15 first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, joblessness and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring.

Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, Karoui only walked free from jail on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering.

The poll, Tunisia's second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Turnout was higher than in the first round, and estimated at around 57 per cent.

'Peaceful transition'

In one polling station, voters said they were divided between "the one who will apply the law" and the one "who helps the poor", referring to a charity television show that boosted Karoui's popularity.

The 56-year-old tycoon Karoui portrayed himself as a bulwark against political Islam, which he accused his rival of supporting.

He called the result a "denial of justice", saying he had been penalised by his incarceration.

"It's like competing in the Olympics and one breaks one's knee before doing the 100 meters," he said.

Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation.

"You have created a new concept of revolution, let your conscience guide you," he said, casting his ballot.

"Congratulations to Tunisia; less for whom they voted, and more for showing a continued commitment to resolving differences via peaceful transitions," said H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, in a tweet.

For what was the third election in four weeks, some Tunisians organised car-sharing and free transport for students who had to travel far to their hometowns to cast their ballots.

"I am doing it out of love for my country. I support the one who embodies hope for Tunisia," said taxi driver Bakri who offered free rides to Saied supporters between Tunis and the coastal city of Nabeul.

The Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, which won the most seats in parliament in general elections earlier this month, had called on supporters to back Saied.

But the runoff outcome had remained uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls.

Saied topped the first round with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent.

Sharp contrast

While the candidates were both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them was sharp, with Saied earning his nickname for his rigid and austere manner.

A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection.

Karoui presented himself as a candidate for the poor whose appeal stemmed largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity.

Karoui, who always appeared in designer suits, has dismissed the allegations against him as politically motivated.

Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in Tunisia's presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said.

Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in Tunisia's presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said. In a contest that reflected Tunisia's shifting post-revolution political landscape, Saied, an independent, scooped 72.5 per cent of the vote according to the Emrhod exit poll on Sunday, and 76.9 per cent in the Sigma one -- over 40 points ahead of Karoui. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tunis to celebrate Saied's victory, honking horns and singing the national anthem. "It's a historic day: Tunisia is reaping the fruits of the revolution," said Boussairi Abidi, a 39-year-old mechanic. "Kais Saied is going to put an end to corruption, he will be a fair president." The official results are expected Monday. In his first reaction, Saied thanked the country's young people "for turning a new page", and vowed to try to build "a new Tunisia". Around 90 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 per cent of voters over 60. "Kais Saied, voice of the people," a gathered crowd chanted. "Long live Tunisia!" "We are very happy. Tunisia has an honest man at the helm now. The difference between the two candidates was the work he has been doing," said Mustafa El Ghali, a family member. The runoff was contested by two political newcomers -- pitting Saied, nicknamed "Robocop", against businessman, Karoui, who is dubbed Tunisia's "Berlusconi". They trounced the old guard in a September 15 first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, joblessness and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring. Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, Karoui only walked free from jail on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering. The poll, Tunisia's second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Turnout was higher than in the first round, and estimated at around 57 per cent. 'Peaceful transition' In one polling station, voters said they were divided between "the one who will apply the law" and the one "who helps the poor", referring to a charity television show that boosted Karoui's popularity. The 56-year-old tycoon Karoui portrayed himself as a bulwark against political Islam, which he accused his rival of supporting. He called the result a "denial of justice", saying he had been penalised by his incarceration. "It's like competing in the Olympics and one breaks one's knee before doing the 100 meters," he said. Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation. "You have created a new concept of revolution, let your conscience guide you," he said, casting his ballot. "Congratulations to Tunisia; less for whom they voted, and more for showing a continued commitment to resolving differences via peaceful transitions," said H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, in a tweet. For what was the third election in four weeks, some Tunisians organised car-sharing and free transport for students who had to travel far to their hometowns to cast their ballots. "I am doing it out of love for my country. I support the one who embodies hope for Tunisia," said taxi driver Bakri who offered free rides to Saied supporters between Tunis and the coastal city of Nabeul. The Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, which won the most seats in parliament in general elections earlier this month, had called on supporters to back Saied. But the runoff outcome had remained uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls. Saied topped the first round with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent. Sharp contrast While the candidates were both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them was sharp, with Saied earning his nickname for his rigid and austere manner. A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection. Karoui presented himself as a candidate for the poor whose appeal stemmed largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity. Karoui, who always appeared in designer suits, has dismissed the allegations against him as politically motivated.

Outsider Saied set for landslide in Tunisia presidency: Exit polls

Tunisians began voting on Sunday in a presidential runoff pitting a conservative academic against a media magnate fresh out of jail, reflecting a shift in the country's post-revolution political landscape.

The political newcomers swept aside the old guard in the first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, high unemployment and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring.

Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, presidential contender Nabil Karoui only walked free on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering.

This election is "more exciting than a local derby (football match)," said a young man taking part in lively debate on Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis ahead of the showdown.

The vote, Tunisia's second free presidential poll since the 2011 revolt, follows the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July.

Polling stations opened to the electorate of seven million at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and are due to close at 6:00 pm. Exit polls are expected by Sunday evening.

On Friday night, Karoui and law professor Kais Saied went head-to-head in a rare television debate, the last bid to woo voters.

Karoui, a 56-year-old business tycoon, appeared relaxed, if at times hesitant. Speaking in Tunisian dialect, he stuck to his key themes of economic liberalisation and fighting poverty.

Serious but also at ease, 61-year-old independent candidate Saied called for the decentralisation of power and criticised the country's partisan system, in classical Arabic.

The runoff outcome remains uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls, but Karoui received a boost with his newly formed party, Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunis), coming second in legislative elections a week earlier.

Saied topped the first round in the presidential election, held on September 15, with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent. Turnout for that round was a modest 45 per cent.

Karoui presents himself as a candidate for the poor but spent most of his campaign imprisoned on money-laundering and tax-evasion charges. He was released on his fourth appeal in court after threatening to contest the results.

Sharp contrast

While the candidates are both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them is sharp, with Saied nicknamed "Robocop" for his rigid and austere manner.

A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection.

Saied is an expert on constitutional law, who taught at the Tunis faculty of judicial and political sciences for nearly two decades.

He launched an unorthodox election campaign that saw him shun mass rallies and instead canvass door-to-door.

The appeal of flamboyant Karoui, who always appears in designer suits, stems largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity.

A former executive for Colgate-Palmolive, in 2002 Karoui launched a media agency with his brother.

After the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Nessma TV channel that Karoui founded turned from entertainment programming towards news, becoming one of Tunisia's largest private broadcasters.

Over the past three years, Karoui burnished his reputation with a charity show on Nessma in which he distributed household appliances to needy families.

His arrest in the run-up to the election cemented his status as an outsider -- despite being a longtime key supporter of Essebsi, whose death on July 25 brought forward the polls.

Karoui, who says the allegations against him are politically motivated, campaigned by proxy through his wife and party.

Although now a free man, Karoui is still under investigation for fraud and banned from travelling abroad.

But if he wins the runoff, Karoui will receive immunity "and all the legal proceedings against him... will be suspended until the end of his mandate", constitutional law professor Salsabil Klibi told AFP.

Tunisians began voting on Sunday in a presidential runoff pitting a conservative academic against a media magnate fresh out of jail, reflecting a shift in the country's post-revolution political landscape.

Tunisians began voting on Sunday in a presidential runoff pitting a conservative academic against a media magnate fresh out of jail, reflecting a shift in the country's post-revolution political landscape. The political newcomers swept aside the old guard in the first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, high unemployment and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring. Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, presidential contender Nabil Karoui only walked free on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering. This election is "more exciting than a local derby (football match)," said a young man taking part in lively debate on Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis ahead of the showdown. The vote, Tunisia's second free presidential poll since the 2011 revolt, follows the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Polling stations opened to the electorate of seven million at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and are due to close at 6:00 pm. Exit polls are expected by Sunday evening. On Friday night, Karoui and law professor Kais Saied went head-to-head in a rare television debate, the last bid to woo voters. Karoui, a 56-year-old business tycoon, appeared relaxed, if at times hesitant. Speaking in Tunisian dialect, he stuck to his key themes of economic liberalisation and fighting poverty. Serious but also at ease, 61-year-old independent candidate Saied called for the decentralisation of power and criticised the country's partisan system, in classical Arabic. The runoff outcome remains uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls, but Karoui received a boost with his newly formed party, Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunis), coming second in legislative elections a week earlier. Saied topped the first round in the presidential election, held on September 15, with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent. Turnout for that round was a modest 45 per cent. Karoui presents himself as a candidate for the poor but spent most of his campaign imprisoned on money-laundering and tax-evasion charges. He was released on his fourth appeal in court after threatening to contest the results. Sharp contrast While the candidates are both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them is sharp, with Saied nicknamed "Robocop" for his rigid and austere manner. A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection. Saied is an expert on constitutional law, who taught at the Tunis faculty of judicial and political sciences for nearly two decades. He launched an unorthodox election campaign that saw him shun mass rallies and instead canvass door-to-door. The appeal of flamboyant Karoui, who always appears in designer suits, stems largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity. A former executive for Colgate-Palmolive, in 2002 Karoui launched a media agency with his brother. After the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Nessma TV channel that Karoui founded turned from entertainment programming towards news, becoming one of Tunisia's largest private broadcasters. Over the past three years, Karoui burnished his reputation with a charity show on Nessma in which he distributed household appliances to needy families. His arrest in the run-up to the election cemented his status as an outsider -- despite being a longtime key supporter of Essebsi, whose death on July 25 brought forward the polls. Karoui, who says the allegations against him are politically motivated, campaigned by proxy through his wife and party. Although now a free man, Karoui is still under investigation for fraud and banned from travelling abroad. But if he wins the runoff, Karoui will receive immunity "and all the legal proceedings against him... will be suspended until the end of his mandate", constitutional law professor Salsabil Klibi told AFP.

Media mogul, academic face off as Tunisians choose president

Outsider candidates challenged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-in-sprint-to-arrange-poll-after-president-dies-247587">Tunisia's political elite</a> on Sunday as voters returned to the polls weeks after a presidential election that reshaped the country's post-Arab Spring political landscape.

The ink-stained fingers once proudly displayed after the&nbsp;2011 revolution were briskly wiped clean as Tunisians fed up with the status quo cast ballots for MPs for the third time since the uprising.

The vote comes after traditional political parties were eclipsed in favour of independent candidates during the first round of presidential polls last month in a trend that looked likely to continue.

Sixty-year-old voter Mohamed Daadaa said he had "no hope for a positive change" in Tunisia.

"I don't trust anyone or any political party. Life just gets worse in this country," he said.

More than 15,000 candidates on 1,500 lists are contesting 217 seats in a parliament dominated by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha in alliance with centrist party Nidaa Tounes, which has been decimated by infighting.

Polling stations for the seven-million electorate are to remain open until 1700 GMT, with preliminary official results scheduled for Wednesday although exit polls will be released from late Sunday.

Surveys circulated informally due to a ban on their publication predict Ennahdha will lose ground to the new Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunisia) party of jailed business tycoon Nabil Karoui, who has won a place in a two-way presidential runoff on October 13.

The sidelining of the ruling political class in the first round on September 15 was rooted in frustration over a stagnant economy, high unemployment, failing public services and rising prices.

But monitors worried voters on Sunday found little inspiration at the ballot box.

"People no longer trust the old parties, and they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-parliamentary-speaker-to-be-interim-president-238447">don't know the new ones</a>, so they're not motivated in this election," said Ali Rekiki, who works with Tunisian electoral monitor Mourakiboun.

New movements vie for vote

Karoui, a media mogul held since August on money-laundering charges, came second behind Kais Saied, an independent law professor, in the first round of presidential voting.

Courts have rejected several appeals for his release during campaigning.

Interim president Mohammed Ennaceur - filling in since the death of Beji Caid Essebsi in July brought forward the vote for head of state -&nbsp;warned Friday that Karoui's detention could have "serious and dangerous repercussions on the electoral process".

The presidential race may have overshadowed the legislative contest, but parliament is responsible for tackling the main challenges facing Tunisian society.

A strong showing for Qalb Tounes could bolster Karoui's campaign and supporters say it might make a case for him to take over as prime minister if he loses to Saied.

The socially conservative professor has not come out in support of any party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-extends-nationwide-state-of-emergency-until-year-end-ahead-of-presidential-vote-246910">With the electorate tired of political manoeuvring</a> and the failure to improve living conditions since the ouster of late longtime autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, new movements have been vying for votes.

Aich Tounsi, which calls itself an "anti-party", has emerged from the civil society movement, while Islamist populist lawyer Seifeddine Makhlouf's Karama aims to take seats from Ennahdha, which has been weakened by past alliances with political elites.

With the plethora of parties and movements in contention, the stage is set for complex and rowdy negotiations before any side emerges with the minimum 109 seats needed to head Tunisia's next government.

In the runup to the vote, Qalb Tounes and Ennahdha have officially ruled out forming an alliance.

Parliament will have two months to agree on the formation of a new government in a country hailed as the Arab Spring's sole democratic success story but straining to meet the revolution's other demands of "work and dignity".

While it has succeeded in curbing terrorist attacks that rocked the key tourist sector in 2015, Tunisia's economy remains hampered by austere International Monetary Fund-backed reforms.

Outsider candidates challenged Tunisia's political elite on Sunday as voters returned to the polls weeks after a presidential election that reshaped the country's post-Arab Spring political landscape.

Outsider candidates challenged Tunisia's political elite on Sunday as voters returned to the polls weeks after a presidential election that reshaped the country's post-Arab Spring political landscape. The ink-stained fingers once proudly displayed after the 2011 revolution were briskly wiped clean as Tunisians fed up with the status quo cast ballots for MPs for the third time since the uprising. The vote comes after traditional political parties were eclipsed in favour of independent candidates during the first round of presidential polls last month in a trend that looked likely to continue. Sixty-year-old voter Mohamed Daadaa said he had "no hope for a positive change" in Tunisia. "I don't trust anyone or any political party. Life just gets worse in this country," he said. More than 15,000 candidates on 1,500 lists are contesting 217 seats in a parliament dominated by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha in alliance with centrist party Nidaa Tounes, which has been decimated by infighting. Polling stations for the seven-million electorate are to remain open until 1700 GMT, with preliminary official results scheduled for Wednesday although exit polls will be released from late Sunday. Surveys circulated informally due to a ban on their publication predict Ennahdha will lose ground to the new Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunisia) party of jailed business tycoon Nabil Karoui, who has won a place in a two-way presidential runoff on October 13. The sidelining of the ruling political class in the first round on September 15 was rooted in frustration over a stagnant economy, high unemployment, failing public services and rising prices. But monitors worried voters on Sunday found little inspiration at the ballot box. "People no longer trust the old parties, and they don't know the new ones, so they're not motivated in this election," said Ali Rekiki, who works with Tunisian electoral monitor Mourakiboun. New movements vie for vote Karoui, a media mogul held since August on money-laundering charges, came second behind Kais Saied, an independent law professor, in the first round of presidential voting. Courts have rejected several appeals for his release during campaigning. Interim president Mohammed Ennaceur - filling in since the death of Beji Caid Essebsi in July brought forward the vote for head of state - warned Friday that Karoui's detention could have "serious and dangerous repercussions on the electoral process". The presidential race may have overshadowed the legislative contest, but parliament is responsible for tackling the main challenges facing Tunisian society. A strong showing for Qalb Tounes could bolster Karoui's campaign and supporters say it might make a case for him to take over as prime minister if he loses to Saied. The socially conservative professor has not come out in support of any party. With the electorate tired of political manoeuvring and the failure to improve living conditions since the ouster of late longtime autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, new movements have been vying for votes. Aich Tounsi, which calls itself an "anti-party", has emerged from the civil society movement, while Islamist populist lawyer Seifeddine Makhlouf's Karama aims to take seats from Ennahdha, which has been weakened by past alliances with political elites. With the plethora of parties and movements in contention, the stage is set for complex and rowdy negotiations before any side emerges with the minimum 109 seats needed to head Tunisia's next government. In the runup to the vote, Qalb Tounes and Ennahdha have officially ruled out forming an alliance. Parliament will have two months to agree on the formation of a new government in a country hailed as the Arab Spring's sole democratic success story but straining to meet the revolution's other demands of "work and dignity". While it has succeeded in curbing terrorist attacks that rocked the key tourist sector in 2015, Tunisia's economy remains hampered by austere International Monetary Fund-backed reforms.

Outsiders battle political elite as Tunisia votes

Five things to know about Tunisia's parliamentary election

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the first leader to be toppled by the Arab Spring revolts, died Thursday in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia's foreign ministry said. He was 83.

"We had confirmation of his death 30 minutes ago," the ministry said on Thursday afternoon without giving further details.&nbsp;

His lawyer, Mounir Ben Salha, confirmed the news, citing family members and Ben Ali's doctor.

Ben Ali, who ruled his North African country from 1987 until 2011, was viewed by some as a bulwark against Islamist extremism but faced criticism for muzzling the opposition and his reluctance to embrace democracy.

Eventually, growing frustration over unemployment and high prices snapped.&nbsp;

In late 2010, a young trader in Sidi Bouzid, in the impoverished centre of the country, set fire to himself in protest at humiliation by police.&nbsp;

That sparked protests which rocked Tunisia and triggered a deadly clampdown.

But the protesters won: on January 14, 2011, Ben Ali fled Tunisia for Saudi Arabia.

His rapid departure sparked a string of similar uprisings across the region, toppling Egyptian and Libyan strongmen Hosni Mubarak and Moamer Kadhafi.

The turmoil also triggered what was to become Syria's devastating eight-year war.

Pyjamas in exile

In mid-2012, Ben Ali was sentenced in absentia to life in jail for his role in the deaths of protesters during the uprising.

More than 300 people were killed in the initial repression of the protest movement.

Little verified information has emerged on Ben Ali's life in exile.

Photos posted on Instagram in 2013 showed the former strongman smiling in striped pyjamas.&nbsp;

Rumours of his death had circulated several times in recent years.&nbsp;

A week ago, Ben Salha said the former president was in a "critical condition", before denying reports that he had died.&nbsp;

"He is not dead, but his state of health is bad. He has left the hospital and is currently being cared for at his home — his condition is stabilising", the lawyer said at the time.

Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said last week that on humanitarian grounds Ben Ali could return to die in his own country -- "like every Tunisian" — should he wish to do so.

It was not possible to ascertain immediately whether the former president's funeral would take place in Saudi Arabia or in Tunisia.

'Part of Tunisia's history'

Tunisians canvassed by AFP on Thursday did not oppose a funeral in Tunisia.

"He deserves to be buried in his own country. It can't do any harm," said Moncef Balghaji in central Tunis.

"He is dead! This person was president and he was a part of Tunisia's history", he added.&nbsp;

Another resident, Mounir — who did not want to give his surname — said "I do not see him as a president but as a Tunisian citizen... He has the right to buried here, regardless of what he did."

Ben Ali is survived by six children; three daughters by a first marriage and two daughters and a son by his wife Leila Trabelsi, who accompanied him into exile.

A career soldier, Ben Ali took power on November 7, 1987, when he toppled Habib Bourguiba, the ailing father of Tunisian independence who was by then reported to be senile.

Tunisians, including Islamists, hailed his bloodless, non-violent takeover.

He went on to make Tunisia a moderate, secular voice in the Arab world while Western governments viewed him as an effective bulwark against extremism — despite criticism of his reluctance to embrace democracy.

Aside from his conviction over the death of protesters, Ben Ali was also sentenced in absentia to misappropriating public funds and ordering the torture of army officers who allegedly led a coup attempt against him.

Tunisia on Sunday held a presidential election, in which two outsiders — law professor Kais Saied and detained media mogul Nabil Karoui — made it through to a second-round run-off.&nbsp;

The country's first post Arab Spring democratically elected president, Beji Caid Essebsi, had died in July aged 92, bringing the first round of the presidential polls forward by several months.

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the first leader to be toppled by the Arab Spring revolts, died Thursday in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia's foreign ministry said.

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the first leader to be toppled by the Arab Spring revolts, died Thursday in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia's foreign ministry said. He was 83. "We had confirmation of his death 30 minutes ago," the ministry said on Thursday afternoon without giving further details. His lawyer, Mounir Ben Salha, confirmed the news, citing family members and Ben Ali's doctor. Ben Ali, who ruled his North African country from 1987 until 2011, was viewed by some as a bulwark against Islamist extremism but faced criticism for muzzling the opposition and his reluctance to embrace democracy. Eventually, growing frustration over unemployment and high prices snapped. In late 2010, a young trader in Sidi Bouzid, in the impoverished centre of the country, set fire to himself in protest at humiliation by police. That sparked protests which rocked Tunisia and triggered a deadly clampdown. But the protesters won: on January 14, 2011, Ben Ali fled Tunisia for Saudi Arabia. His rapid departure sparked a string of similar uprisings across the region, toppling Egyptian and Libyan strongmen Hosni Mubarak and Moamer Kadhafi. The turmoil also triggered what was to become Syria's devastating eight-year war. Pyjamas in exile In mid-2012, Ben Ali was sentenced in absentia to life in jail for his role in the deaths of protesters during the uprising. More than 300 people were killed in the initial repression of the protest movement. Little verified information has emerged on Ben Ali's life in exile. Photos posted on Instagram in 2013 showed the former strongman smiling in striped pyjamas. Rumours of his death had circulated several times in recent years. A week ago, Ben Salha said the former president was in a "critical condition", before denying reports that he had died. "He is not dead, but his state of health is bad. He has left the hospital and is currently being cared for at his home — his condition is stabilising", the lawyer said at the time. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said last week that on humanitarian grounds Ben Ali could return to die in his own country -- "like every Tunisian" — should he wish to do so. It was not possible to ascertain immediately whether the former president's funeral would take place in Saudi Arabia or in Tunisia. 'Part of Tunisia's history' Tunisians canvassed by AFP on Thursday did not oppose a funeral in Tunisia. "He deserves to be buried in his own country. It can't do any harm," said Moncef Balghaji in central Tunis. "He is dead! This person was president and he was a part of Tunisia's history", he added. Another resident, Mounir — who did not want to give his surname — said "I do not see him as a president but as a Tunisian citizen... He has the right to buried here, regardless of what he did." Ben Ali is survived by six children; three daughters by a first marriage and two daughters and a son by his wife Leila Trabelsi, who accompanied him into exile. A career soldier, Ben Ali took power on November 7, 1987, when he toppled Habib Bourguiba, the ailing father of Tunisian independence who was by then reported to be senile. Tunisians, including Islamists, hailed his bloodless, non-violent takeover. He went on to make Tunisia a moderate, secular voice in the Arab world while Western governments viewed him as an effective bulwark against extremism — despite criticism of his reluctance to embrace democracy. Aside from his conviction over the death of protesters, Ben Ali was also sentenced in absentia to misappropriating public funds and ordering the torture of army officers who allegedly led a coup attempt against him. Tunisia on Sunday held a presidential election, in which two outsiders — law professor Kais Saied and detained media mogul Nabil Karoui — made it through to a second-round run-off. The country's first post Arab Spring democratically elected president, Beji Caid Essebsi, had died in July aged 92, bringing the first round of the presidential polls forward by several months.

Tunisia's ex-president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali dies in exile

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