Tunisia's press landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as La Presse and Dar Assabah begin their historic merger. The merger, which takes effect immediately, is a culmination of efforts by the Tunisian government to save the two struggling press institutions. The merger will be followed by the absorption of Dar Assabah by Snipe La Presse in the coming weeks. As a result, the four publications of the two houses will be consolidated at the Snipe La Presse headquarters.
The merger is a significant achievement for Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, who had personally committed to saving the two press institutions. In March 2023, President Saïed visited the Snipe La Presse headquarters, where he vowed to prevent the institutions from falling into private hands. He criticized decades of mismanagement that had weakened the institutions and promised a lasting solution. The President's efforts have come to fruition, with the merger marking a new era for La Presse and Dar Assabah.
The merger is not just a financial transaction, but a symbol of the government's commitment to preserving the country's press heritage. The merger was made possible by a government decision in December 2025 to transfer all shares of Dar Assabah to Snipe La Presse. The decision was validated during a ministerial working session presided over by Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri. The merger aims to preserve jobs and the dignity of employees while modernizing the press institutions.
The merger has been made possible by the efforts of a steering committee, which worked under the auspices of the Prime Minister's office and in close consultation with ministerial departments and social partners. The committee's work has ensured that the merger will have a positive impact on the employees and the press institutions as a whole. The government's vision for the merger is both modern and socially responsible.
The merger marks a new beginning for La Presse and Dar Assabah, which will now operate as a single, unified entity. The two press institutions have undergone significant changes in recent years, with La Presse celebrating its 87th anniversary in 2023. The merger will enable the institutions to face the future with ambition and serenity. The government's efforts have ensured that the press institutions will continue to play a vital role in Tunisia's media landscape.
The merger is also significant for Dar Assabah, which had been facing a crisis following confiscation. The institution's future was uncertain, but the government's intervention has ensured its survival. The merger will enable Dar Assabah to continue publishing, and its employees will be integrated into the new entity. The government's efforts have preserved the institution's heritage and ensured its continued contribution to Tunisia's press landscape.
The renovation of the historic building on Rue Ali Bach Hamba, which was abandoned by La Presse, has also been launched. The building will be renovated and will serve as a symbol of the press institution's renewed commitment to its heritage. The merger and the renovation of the building mark a new era for La Presse and Dar Assabah, which will now operate as a modern and unified entity.
Key points
- The merger of La Presse and Dar Assabah marks a significant achievement for Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, who had personally committed to saving the two press institutions.
- The merger aims to preserve jobs and the dignity of employees while modernizing the press institutions.
- The government's efforts have ensured that the press institutions will continue to play a vital role in Tunisia's media landscape.
