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As more young Tunisians look away from politics, many wish to live abroad

Election officials prepare a polling station near Tunis on Saturday. (AFP)
Election officials prepare a polling station near Tunis on Saturday. (AFP)
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Updated 05 October 2024

As more young Tunisians look away from politics, many wish to live abroad

Election officials prepare a polling station near Tunis on Saturday. (AFP)
  • The Arab Barometer said the new figures contrasted with the 22-percent rate it had recorded in Tunisia in 2011

TUNIS: At a cafe in Tunis’s bustling Bab Souika, young men lean over sports betting slips. With presidential elections just days ahead, they are instead focused on Champions League scores — a sign of common indifference in a country many wish to leave.
Mohamed, a 22-year-old who chose not to give his full name for fear of “imprisonment,” said he and his friends would not vote because it was “useless.”
“We have nothing to do with politics,” he said.
“We try to live our lives day by day. It doesn’t concern us.”
About a third of the nearly 10 million Tunisians set to cast their ballots on Sunday are under 35, according to official figures.
Yet the election appears to have created a mood of resignation among young people, most of whom would rather leave the country, according to a recent study.
Published by the Arab Barometer in August, the study found that seven out of 10 Tunisians aged between 18 and 29 wished to emigrate.
Tunisia now leads Arab nations measured by the desire to migrate, with an estimated 46 percent of the population wanting to live abroad.
“If you provide three boats right now, no one here will stay,” Mohamed added, looking around at the busy cafe.
Each year, thousands of Tunisians, mainly young men, attempt to make the dangerous sea crossing to Europe in search of a better life.
Others try to do it by overstaying tourist visas or through study-abroad programs.
The Arab Barometer said the new figures contrasted with the 22-percent rate it had recorded in Tunisia in 2011.
But over a decade later, they face dimmed prospects, grappling with a stagnant economy, soaring unemployment, and dwindling rights.
Official figures show that 41 percent of young Tunisians are unemployed — even as 23 percent hold university degrees.
Ghaith, a high-schooler who also chose not to provide his last name for fear of retribution, said he was thinking about leaving too.
“I’m only 17, and when I see older people who haven’t done anything with their lives, I ask myself: What will I do?” he said.
Next to him, his 19-year-old friend, also named Mohamed, said he wanted to learn German and move to Berlin, but that it was too expensive.
“This country has let us down,” he said. “It’s become hard to consider a future.”
If none of the youngsters interviewed by AFP wished to disclose their last names, it was because authorities have stepped up cracking down on dissent.
New York-based Human Rights Watch recently said that more than “170 people are detained in Tunisia on political grounds or for exercising their fundamental rights.”
A number of his critics have been prosecuted under Decree 54, a law he enacted in 2022 to combat “false news.”

Slim, a 31-year-old gig worker who also chose not to give his full name out of fear, said he hasn’t “gained anything” under Saied.
“I like him,” he said. “He fought corruption, but I didn’t benefit personally.”
“What’s in it for me if I still can’t find eggs, milk, coffee, and other necessities?” he added.
“We’re tired, seriously,” he pleaded. “Why do you think people keep leaving the country? They take to the sea knowing they might die.”
This week, 15 Tunisians were found dead after their boat capsized as two boats bearing dozens were intercepted.
Some, however, choose to stay.
At a recent protest near the parliament in Tunis, Souhaieb Ferchichi, a 30-year-old activist, called for boycotting the election, which rights groups have said wasn’t fair.
Many of Saied’s challengers have been barred from running, some even jailed.
Salma Ezzine, a 25-year-old protester and doctor, said Tunisia was “noticing patterns from the past.”
“This is how dictatorships are born,” she said.
Unlike more than 1,000 doctors who left Tunisia last year, according to labor figures, Ezzine said she has to stay and chip into bettering the country.
“Leaving the country can be a short-term solution,” she said. “But people need to realize that it adds to the problem. If no one stays, who is going to make the change?“


Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut

Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut
Updated 15 sec ago

Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut

Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut
  • Joseph Aoun’s trip commemorated the resumption of Bahrain’s diplomatic representation in Lebanon and the 53rd anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations
  • Aoun: We look forward to resuming full trade exchange between us, as well as our cooperation in various fields for the good of our peoples and the interests of our two countries

BEIRUT: Bahrain will establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has said.

The announcement came during a visit to Bahrain by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Aoun’s trip commemorated the resumption of Bahrain’s diplomatic representation in Lebanon and the 53rd anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

In a statement, Aoun said: “Lebanon looks forward to the full return of the Bahraini embassy to Beirut.

“We look forward to resuming full trade exchange between us, as well as our cooperation in various fields for the good of our peoples and the interests of our two countries.”

King Hamad highlighted Bahrain’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity. Bahrain rejects any external interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, he added, praising Lebanon’s religious diversity and the values of civilized coexistence that characterize its society.

Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa took part in the talks held at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on Wednesday.

A joint statement said that the talks focused on “ways to develop and strengthen relations across all fields to advance common interests.

“We are keen to enhance Lebanese-Bahraini relations and look forward to outcomes that benefit both peoples and nations alike,” it added.

The king highlighted his kingdom’s deep-rooted historical ties with Lebanon. The two sides exchanged views “on regional events and developments of mutual concern,” in addition to “the situation in Lebanon and efforts to address it.”

Aoun praised Bahrain’s support for Lebanon and its people. “We also value Bahrain’s commitment to preserving Lebanon’s unity, security and stability. Lebanon looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with Bahrain to achieve shared benefits and prosperity for both peoples,” the president said.

During the talks, King Hamad highlighted efforts to strengthen the Bahraini-Lebanese joint committee to implement agreements concluded between the two countries, and to explore further opportunities that serve mutual interests. “This remains a consistent priority in our bilateral relations,” he said.

“Bahrain has long welcomed Lebanon’s citizens and those who hold it dear, ensuring their stay is met with warmth and care in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made, and continue to make to the Kingdom,” he added.

The king said Bahrain would stand by Lebanon to restore its prominent role within the Arab world and the international community.

“Lebanon will rise once more to be, as it has always been, a homeland of unity, peace and harmonious coexistence,” he said.

“We hope that this country would continue to serve as a beacon for the Arab East and a gateway to the sought-after regional stability.”

Also attending the talks were Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, personal representative of the king of Bahrain; Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, representative of the king for humanitarian and youth affairs, and national security adviser; and Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, first deputy president of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, president of the General Sports Authority and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, along with senior Bahraini and Lebanese officials.

On the second day of his visit to Bahrain, Aoun held a meeting with Bahrain’s Economic Development Board.

He told the board that Lebanon is pursuing investment partnerships based on mutual trust and the belief that his country’s recovery and stability are in the interests of the entire region.

“We closely follow Bahrain’s inspiring experience in economic diversification, infrastructure development and the enhancement of the innovation environment,” he said.

“In this context, I would like to praise Bahrain’s last activities on the international scene, which affirm that Bahrain is an ambitious and effective economic player globally.”

He thanked the kingdom for its support of Lebanon and for embracing its expatriate community.

Lebanon views Bahrain as “an honest partner with whom we can build a new phase of active cooperation on both the government and private sector levels,” he said.

Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa described the steps taken by the government to implement its economic recovery plan, develop industries and carry out major development projects to ensure growth.

“Bahrain became a service hub for the UAE and Ƶ,” he said.

The minister highlighted improvements in Bahrain’s economic indicators, including significant growth in the oil sector.

Minister of Sustainable Development Noor bint Ali Al-Khulaif said she was keen to maintain and improve ties with Lebanon.

She highlighted investment projects in Bahrain and efforts to improve empowerment programs, as well as the golden residency offered by the kingdom and its impact on economic growth.

The board meeting also discussed the energy sector and investments, as well as the private sector’s role in completing major projects in Bahrain.


Cyprus struggles to contain wildfire, homes damaged

Cyprus struggles to contain wildfire, homes damaged
Updated 15 min 53 sec ago

Cyprus struggles to contain wildfire, homes damaged

Cyprus struggles to contain wildfire, homes damaged
  • The fire was raging in terrain north of the southern city of Limassol
  • 14 aircraft and workers on the ground were trying to extinguish the blaze

NICOSIA: Firefighters in Cyprus were battling on Wednesday to contain a huge wildfire forcing the evacuation of at least four villages on the first day of a heatwave which sent temperatures soaring.

Authorities said the fire was raging in terrain north of the southern city of Limassol, stoked by strong winds and high temperatures.

“I can confirm that there is considerable damage to some dwellings,” fire brigade spokesperson Andreas Kettis told Cyprus’s state broadcaster CyBC.

He said 14 aircraft and workers on the ground were trying to extinguish the blaze, which broke out around midday on Wednesday.

Temperatures on the east Mediterranean island hit 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) inland on Wednesday, forcing authorities to issue an amber weather warning. It was expected to climb further to 44 C on Thursday, making it the hottest day of the year.

Although heatwaves and forest fires are common, the impact on human life and the damage have become more pronounced in recent years. Four men from Egypt died in a fire in 2021.


Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe

Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe
Updated 37 min 21 sec ago

Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe

Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe
  • Charges are based on complaints filed by several factory owners accusing George Bouchikian of committing offences during his tenure as minister of industry
  • 88 members approved the referral of former telecommunications ministers Boutros Harb, Nicolas Sehnaoui and Jamal Jarrah to an investigative committee

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Parliament voted by a majority of 99 out of 128 members on Wednesday to lift the immunity of MP George Bouchikian, paving the way for a civil prosecution on charges of embezzlement, forgery and extortion.

The charges are based on complaints filed by several factory owners accusing Bouchikian of committing the offences during his tenure as minister of industry in former Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government.

In a separate vote, 88 members approved the referral of former telecommunications ministers Boutros Harb, Nicolas Sehnaoui and Jamal Jarrah to an investigative committee over documented allegations of “mismanaging tens of millions of dollars in building leases and contracting operations.”

Public Prosecutor Jamal Hajjar submitted a formal request to the General Secretariat of Parliament to lift Bouchikian’s parliamentary immunity.

Hajjar questioned Bouchikian as a witness in late June but the former minister left Lebanon for Canada shortly afterwards, confirmed in a statement given two days ago. He is not expected to return now his parliamentary immunity has been removed.

A judicial source told Arab News: “Bouchikian was questioned following testimony from factory owners who alleged that he, through his office manager and private driver, accepted payments between $50,000 and $70,000 for each work permit application submitted.”

According to the source, the investigating judge at the time “lacked the authority to arrest Bouchikian or confiscate his passport due to his parliamentary immunity. It appears he took advantage of this loophole to leave the country, anticipating that formal charges were imminent.”

The source added: “Four employees have been detained and charged in connection with the case, while Bouchikian’s office manager and driver went into hiding.”

This is the first time parliamentary immunity has been lifted since 2000, when it was stripped from MP Chahe Barsoumian over a corruption case related to oil storage contracts.

The move came during former president Emile Lahoud’s high-profile campaign against corruption and waste. This largely targeted officials from the era of his predecessor, Elias Hrawi, and Rafik Hariri, the late prime minister who led most of Hrawi’s governments.

Barsoumian was eventually acquitted following Hariri’s assassination in 2005 and the election of a new parliament dominated by opponents of the previous establishment. In 2004, a parliamentary investigative committee concluded that “the acts attributed to Barsoumian were not sufficiently proven, and there was no legal basis for indictment or prosecution.”

Meanwhile in its legislative session, the Lebanese parliament summoned former telecommunications ministers Harb, Sehnaoui, and Jarrah. The three appeared in order to submit legal defenses against allegations of administrative and financial irregularities raised by the Financial Judiciary, which had formally requested their referral to the Supreme Council for the Trial of Presidents and Ministers. All MPs opposed the treatment of the ministers as a single case.

The case of the three ministers is linked to several issues, including that of the Kassabian building, which was leased by MIC 2. Rental fees for the first four years totaled $10 million, but the company did not benefit from it due to its unsuitability. The state is still paying the rent.

The second case concerns the squandering of millions of dollars by using the revenues of the two mobile phone companies to fund various social activities.

In 2022, a group of MPs filed an indictment against the three ministers in the telecommunications case, referring them to the Supreme Council for the Trial of Presidents and Ministers.

Harb, a prominent figure in Lebanon’s sovereign bloc, told the parliament his conscience was clear “because I did not breach the law, but rather preserved public funds and stopped waste, and I am fully prepared to cooperate with any investigative committee formed.”

Sehnaoui told MPs: “My conscience is clear, and I was the one who negotiated with the owner of the building that was being rented to unify the workplace of Touch Mobile employees at the lowest price.”

He also claimed Zain International inspected the building and stated it was suitable.

“It was later discovered that it could not support the very heavy equipment on its roof and needed modifications. How could I know that it was not if the international company stated otherwise?” he said.

Jarrah stated: “The Financial Public Prosecutor did not request any documents or papers to prove our statements regarding the funding of social activities. When we left his office, we heard about our accusations in the media.”


Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza

Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza
Updated 23 July 2025

Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza

Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza
  • Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization dispatched four food convoys to Gaza this week with a total of 147 trucks of essential food supplies and humanitarian aid
  • Efforts to deliver aid through international organizations have encountered persistent challenges, especially at the Israeli border, where convoys are often delayed

LONDON: Jordan has dispatched dozens of food trucks to the Palestinian coastal enclave of the Gaza Strip this week, with the latest delivery of flour on Wednesday to help Palestinians amid the Israeli military campaign in the territory.

The country’s charitable arm, Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, or JHCO, announced that the latest aid convoy entered through the Zikim border crossing, also known as Erez West, in northern Gaza.

This week, the JHCO coordinated with the country’s armed forces, World Central Kitchen, or WCK, and the World Food Program, or WFP, to dispatch four food convoys to Gaza. A total of 147 trucks delivered essential food supplies and humanitarian aid, primarily flour.

The JHCO and WFP facilitated the entry of 111 trucks, while WCK arranged for the remaining 36 trucks, reaffirming their commitment to oversee the distribution of supplies to affected residents.

Videos on social media shared by Jordanian journalists show Palestinians carrying sacks of flour from distribution points in northern Gaza on Wednesday.

Efforts to deliver aid through international organizations have encountered persistent challenges, especially at the Israeli border, where convoys are often delayed, according to JHCO. Some obstacles include the use of live ammunition against individuals approaching the crossings to obtain aid, it added.

The Gaza Strip continues to face instability and occasional direct attacks on aid convoys as well as attempts to loot supplies and hinder the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the charity added.


Italy and Algeria agree to tackle terrorism and migration at summit

Italy and Algeria agree to tackle terrorism and migration at summit
Updated 11 min 48 sec ago

Italy and Algeria agree to tackle terrorism and migration at summit

Italy and Algeria agree to tackle terrorism and migration at summit
  • A memorandum will be signed between Italy and Algeria on fighting terrorism and its financing
  • The document did not say which threats the countries were focused on

ROME: Italy and Algeria agreed to work together to fight terrorism and control migration during an intergovernmental meeting in Rome on Wednesday, documents showed, while companies signed off on deals on sectors including energy and telecommunications.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the 17th-century Villa Doria Pamphili, after a trip to Algiers by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in March.

Algeria is Rome’s leading trading partner in Africa, with trade worth almost 14 billion euros ($16.4 billion) while Rome’s investments there amount to 8.5 billion, Italy said.

According to a document seen by Reuters, a memorandum will be signed between Italy and Algeria on fighting terrorism and its financing. The document did not say which threats the countries were focused on.

The two nations will also agree on a plan to coordinate the search and rescue operations for migrants who attempt the dangerous sea crossing from North Africa to Europe. Meloni’s right-wing government was elected in 2022 on a mandate to curb migrant arrivals.

On the business side, Italian energy group Eni this month signed a production sharing contract with oil and gas company Sonatrach worth $1.3 billion to explore and develop hydrocarbons in Algeria.

A document said the two companies will sign an additional agreement on the sidelines of the summit to strengthen their cooperation.

Eni buys gas from Sonatrach under a long-term contract that has made the north African country one of the key fuel suppliers for Italy after Rome severed ties with Russia’s Gazprom following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

A separate deal will involve Submarine cable company Sparkle, a unit of Telecom Italia (TIM), which is set to be sold to a consortium led by Italy’s Treasury later this year.

Sparkle will sign a preliminary agreement with Algerie Telecom for a new subsea cable connecting the two countries.

“Algeria is a strategic partner, and we are working hard to make this partnership ever broader, stronger and more diversified,” Foreign Minister Tajani said during a speech at a business forum with over 400 companies from the two nations.