Incumbents
- President: Kais Saied (since 2019)
- Prime Minister: Hichem Mechichi (until 26 July 2021)
- Speaker of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People: Rached Ghannouchi (until 26 July 2021)
Major political developments
- January–June: The Saied‑Mechichi government continued to grapple with a deteriorating economic situation and public discontent over the handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- June 2021: Large‑scale protests occurred in several cities, including Tunis, Sfax and Sousse, demanding economic reforms, better public services, and an end to corruption.
- 26 July 2021 – Constitutional crisis: President Kais Saied invoked Article 80 of the 2014 constitution, dismissed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, suspended the activities of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, and assumed executive authority. This action sparked domestic and international debate over its constitutionality.
- August 2021: Saied announced a series of measures aimed at restructuring the political system, including the dissolution of the existing political parties and the call for a national dialogue.
- September–December: The government pursued a “new legislative framework” including a draft law that would consolidate presidential powers and reduce the role of the parliament.
COVID‑19 pandemic
- Throughout 2021, Tunisia faced successive waves of COVID‑19 infections, resulting in periodic restrictions on public gatherings and the operation of businesses.
- The vaccination campaign, which began in March 2021, prioritized health‑care workers, older adults, and high‑risk populations. By the end of the year, approximately 20 % of the population had received at least one vaccine dose.
Economic context
- The Tunisian economy suffered a deep contraction in 2020 and continued to experience high unemployment, especially among youth, and rising public debt in 2021.
- The government engaged with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank for financial assistance and structural reforms.
- Inflation accelerated during the year, driven by higher food and fuel prices, prompting additional public demonstrations.
Security incidents
- January 2021: A suspected terrorist attack in the town of Sousse resulted in injuries to several civilians; authorities attributed the incident to extremist elements.
- June 2021: Security forces conducted a raid in the Kasserine region, arresting individuals linked to a plot against state institutions.
Cultural and sporting events
- The 2021 Tunisian International Film Festival was postponed from its usual schedule due to pandemic restrictions and later held in a reduced format in November.
- Tunisian football clubs participated in domestic and continental competitions, with Club Africain and Espérance de Tunis achieving notable results in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1.
International relations
- Tunisia maintained diplomatic engagement with the European Union, focusing on migration cooperation and trade agreements.
- In November 2021, Tunisia signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy concerning maritime security and the management of migrant arrivals in the Mediterranean.
Summary
The year 2021 was marked by a profound political shift following President Kais Saied’s suspension of parliament and dismissal of the prime minister, a continuation of economic hardship, ongoing public health challenges from COVID‑19, and heightened security concerns. These developments set the stage for significant constitutional and institutional reforms in Tunisia’s post‑revolutionary trajectory.
