The article explores the evolving identity of Tunisians since independence, highlighting the ongoing debate about whether they are more arabo-Muslim, Turkish, modern, conservative, or emancipated. It reflects on the demographic changes since 2014 and questions the population size in 2024, considering scientific advancements and societal shifts.

The 2024 Refugee Olympic Team, consisting of 36 athletes from countries like Syria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to compete under their symbolic banner since the 2016 Rio Games. During the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony, they received a standing ovation as they paraded on a boat down the Seine, showcasing their emblematic heart symbol. The team represents resilience and unity, earning admiration from spectators.

The electoral campaign for Tunisia's presidential election in autumn 2024 is underway, with candidates facing the challenge of competing against the incumbent president, Kaïs Saïed. The 2022 Constitution sets eligibility criteria for candidates, but discrepancies between it and the electoral law raise questions about the minimum age requirement and other candidacy conditions. The Instance supérieure indépendante pour les élections (Isie), whose members are appointed by the president, is criticized for potential bias. The absence of a constitutional court to resolve legal contradictions and the situation of opposition figures either imprisoned or threatened with prosecution contribute to concerns about the transparency and democratic integrity of the elections. Despite these issues, President Saïed leads in the polls, with significant support from women and men aged 35 to 54.

Tunisia is undergoing a political transformation since July 2021, with President Kaïs Saïed's institutional reforms and a new Constitution adopted a year later. The country faces economic challenges, including shortages, inflation, and a lack of investment. The upcoming 2024 elections are critical for Saïed to reaffirm his legitimacy amidst low public interest and participation. Saïed's tenure has seen a general decline in the country's situation, with increased pressure on private entrepreneurs and media, and a crackdown on opposition. Despite introducing community enterprises for economic revival, immediate effects are unlikely, and the state's coffers are empty. Saïed's approach has silenced various sectors and isolated Tunisia internationally, while the country also suffers from a severe drought.

In Tunisia, the 2024 elections will see the establishment of the Council of Regions and Districts, a new political structure created by the 2022 Constitution. The presidential election in October is expected to be dominated by the incumbent, Kaïs Saïed, who seeks re-election. Despite his previous landslide victory in 2019, Saïed faces challenges due to Tunisia's deteriorating economic conditions. His re-election campaign is complicated by high unemployment, economic stagnation, and resource shortages, making it difficult to blame external factors as he did in the past.

Tunisia faces a legislative proposal that aims to place non-governmental associations under government control, a move criticized by civil society and President Kaïs Saïed, who views foreign funding of some associations with suspicion. Amine Ghali, Director of the El Kawakibi Democracy Transition Center, argues for maintaining the balance provided by existing legal frameworks, which helped remove Tunisia from the FATF's blacklist in 2019. The proposed law is seen as an attempt to restrict freedoms rather than improve administrative matters, and the dissolution of the Instance against Corruption (Inlucc) in 2021 is highlighted as a paradoxical move by a state claiming to want more control. Ghali warns that the new law could harm Tunisia's standing with the FATF and criticizes the systematic targeting of independent structures, including the media, judiciary, and civil society, which he sees as an attack on the Tunisian people.

Mohamed Boughalleb, a prominent Tunisian journalist known for his outspoken and uncompromising stance, has become a victim of the intense pressures and threats faced by media professionals. Despite his reputation in political and social commentary, Boughalleb's phone rings less frequently, reflecting the growing challenges for journalists in Tunisia. The article highlights the broader issue of media professionals being forced to choose sides under the guise of patriotism, featuring other journalists like Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, Samira Sabou, and Anas Aremeyaw Anas who also strive to make a difference despite the adversities.

On November 16, Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed criticized the renovation works at El-Menzah stadium, a project started in June 2022 with a 29-month timeline and a budget of 30 million euros. The stadium, part of a sports complex designed by Olivier Cacoub for the 1967 Mediterranean Games, has hosted performances by notable figures like Oum Kalthoum and Michael Jackson. Despite showing signs of aging, experts do not consider it dangerous. However, its renovation raises concerns about traffic congestion in the now densely populated area. The neighborhood of El-Menzah, developed post-war and reflecting modernist architecture inspired by Le Corbusier, is at risk due to unauthorized construction and demolition. The destruction of a villa by architect Cyrille Levandovsky in 2022 sparked a movement led by Docomomo's Tunisian branch to preserve the area's architectural heritage. Architect Salma Gharbi emphasizes the social value of the neighborhood, which fosters sociability and sharing.

Haykel Ben Mahfoudh has been elected as a judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), becoming the first Tunisian and Arab jurist to hold this position. Despite lacking official support from Tunisia in his previous attempt in 2020, his 2023 candidacy was backed by the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration. Ben Mahfoudh, with a background in law and a family history of intellectuals, has been active in various legal fields and has held positions such as head of the Tunisian University Mission in North America. He aims to address new dynamics of international crime and conflict, such as terrorism and climate change, by proposing amendments to the Rome Statute.

Mosab Hassan Youssef, son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Youssef, turned from a potential Hamas leader to an Israeli spy. Raised in Ramallah during the first Intifada, he was arrested at 18 and recruited by Shin Bet. He provided intelligence that prevented attacks and led to arrests within Hamas. After converting to Christianity, he faced exile and challenges in the U.S., including a denied citizenship application. His autobiography 'Son of Hamas' and the support of his former handler helped him eventually gain U.S. citizenship. Despite initial interest in his story, his refusal to be a symbol of Christian supremacy over Islam led to a decline in public attention. Recently, he has regained visibility by joining the Israeli delegation at the UN Security Council and calling for the liberation of Gaza from Hamas.