Maghreb Edition

Profile: Selma Elloumi RekikF

Posted On 2 September 2019

Number of times this article was read : 346

  

Selma Elloumi Rekik (: سلمى اللومي الرقيق; born 5 June 1956) is originally from . She is a businesswoman, politician and was a member of , though she currently is part of .

Biography

[]
Elloumi at her office at the Ministry of Tourism

Elloumi was a member of the executive committee of .

She was also a candidate for the legislative elections in 2014 representing her party and elected a deputy in the Assembly of the representatives of the people in the first district of Nabeul.

On 2 February 2015, she was nominated for the position of Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, then she was hired for the position of Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, in succession to , in government.

On August 13, 2017, on the occasion of the Women's Day, she was decorated with the insignia of the Commander of the .

On November 1, 2018, she was appointed director of the presidential cabinet to replace . She resigned on May 14, 2019, in the context of the internal tensions in , of which she assumed the presidency on May 28. However, she resigned from office on June 23, and left the party.

In late June, after the justice system recognized as the party's legal representative, Elloumi took over the chairmanship of Amal Tounes, the new name of the Democratic Reform movement founded in 2011, a decision however canceled on July 20. Elloumi then took the head of another party, , formerly known as the Tunisian National Party. She was a candidate in the of September 15, but she is finally eliminated in the first round. On September 24, 2019, she called for the release of Nabil Karoui.

[]

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Europe’s New Migration Rules Shift Pressure South to North Africa$

As the European Union prepares to implement its revised migration framework in mid-2026, coordination between Italy and North African states is already reshaping how migration is managed across the Mediterranean. The new approach shifts operational responsibility away from EU territory and toward transit countries in the Maghreb, with a growing focus on returns rather than border enforcement. While framed as regional cooperation, the emerging system raises questions about governance, funding transparency, and the capacity of transit states to absorb migrants who are unable to move forward or return home. The result may be fewer arrivals in Europe, but increased pressure and instability along the southern Mediterranean.

Tunisia: Leading Labor Union in Turmoil$

Tunisia’s historic labor union, the UGTT, is facing one of the most serious internal crises in its modern history. Deep divisions within the leadership, questions over legitimacy, and mounting pressure from President Kaïs Saïed have pushed the organization into open turmoil. The possible resignation of Secretary General Noureddine Tabboubi comes as the state moves to strip the union of its traditional role in wage negotiations and social dialogue, signaling a broader effort to marginalize independent labor power. As internal factions clash over leadership, strategy, and the timing of a general strike, the future role of the UGTT as a counterweight in Tunisian political life is increasingly uncertain.

Tunisian Equity Market Posts Record Gains in 2025$

Tunisia’s stock market ended 2025 with record-breaking gains, as rising corporate earnings, increased liquidity, and stronger investor participation pushed benchmark indices to historic highs. The rally, now extending into a fifth consecutive year, reflects growing confidence in listed companies and a gradual reallocation of domestic savings toward equities, even as broader economic challenges persist.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.