On July 23, 2025, the FNF Tunisia hosted a public presentation of the policy brief “Populism in the Digital Age: The Case of Tunisia,” authored by Hanene Zbiss, an independent journalist and the President of the Tunisia Section of the Union de la Presse Francophone (UPF). The event was held in Tunis and brought together journalists, lawyers, academics, and civil society actors engaged in defending freedom of expression and democratic governance.

Zbiss, who was honored with the 2019 Raif Badawi Award for Courageous Journalists by FNF, presented a critical reflection on how Tunisia’s political discourse and institutional dynamics have evolved in recent years. Her research situates the rise of populism in Tunisia within a broader global trend, yet highlights the country’s specific historical, social, and technological context.

According to the policy brief, Tunisian populism emerged from deep post-revolution disappointment, as the democratic promises of freedom, dignity, and economic opportunity failed to materialize for large segments of the population. Increasing unemployment, regional inequalities, and a perception of elite disconnection from citizens’ daily struggles have fueled frustration and disillusionment. Against this backdrop, social media became a powerful political tool, transforming how leaders communicate, mobilize, and control public opinion.

The discussion highlighted how populism in Tunisia has been reinforced by the interplay between restrictive legislation and the digital sphere. On one hand, an expanding arsenal of repressive legal instruments, particularly Decree 54 on cybercrime, has been used to prosecute journalists, activists, and social media users critical of the government. On the other hand, state-aligned online networks with massive audiences estimated at over 3.6 million followers across presidential Facebook pages have contributed to amplifying misinformation, stigmatizing narratives, and conspiracy theories with little accountability.

Participants expressed deep concern over the selective application of laws and the shrinking space for independent journalism. While critical voices face intimidation and judicial harassment, fake news pages and troll networks that support the political establishment often operate freely. This asymmetry has fostered a climate of fear and self-censorship, undermining public trust in information and further fragmenting the digital public sphere.

The policy brief concludes with several key recommendations aimed at countering the populist drift and restoring democratic resilience. These include the repeal of repressive laws incompatible with international human rights standards, the restoration of judicial independence, and the depoliticization of cybercrime investigations. Zbiss also emphasizes the importance of investing in media literacy and strengthening independent fact-checking initiatives to empower citizens to critically assess online information.

Beyond institutional reforms, the discussion reaffirmed that civil society, independent media, and international partners play a vital role in defending Tunisia’s democratic space. By fostering open dialogue, promoting evidence-based journalism, and supporting digital rights, these actors can help build collective resilience against authoritarian tendencies that exploit fear and disinformation.

The event underscored that Tunisia’s experience reflects a broader challenge facing democracies worldwide: the tension between digital empowerment and digital manipulation. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, the defense of freedom of expression, transparency, and accountability remains essential not only for the survival of democratic institutions but also for preserving citizens’ trust in the very idea of truth.