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New outlook on culture raises Tunisian hopes, fears

The Tunisian Ministry of Culture has an increased budget and committed leadership, but some worry it might squeeze civil society's role in the arts.
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At the opening ceremony of Ennahda’s 10th National Congress in late May, Rachid Ghannouchi, founder and president of the moderate Islamist party, took to the stage. The speech, much like the rest of the congress and the media frenzy surrounding it, focused on the party’s rebranding and newly enforced separation of religious and political activity. Ghannouchi also took a moment to touch on something else altogether — culture.

“No human development can take place without a cultural renaissance, without establishing cultural and sports activities in all regions,” he told the 13,000-strong audience.

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