Tunisia: 'Internationally recognized as spaces for creativity and as platforms for defending the causes of freedom and liberation, Tunisian festivals-such as the Carthage Festival, the Hammamet International Festival, and the Tabarka Jazz Festival-must remain open to voices of free thought, and must not serve as venues for those whose sole motivation is financial gain, with no regard for human values,' President Kas Saed said on Wednesday.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, during a meeting at the Carthage Palace with Minister of Cultural Affairs Amina Srarfi, the Head of State emphasized that all cultural festivals must align with Tunisia's broader struggle for national liberation and reflect the principled stance of the Tunisian state-principles rooted in the free will of the Tunisian people, according to a statement from the Presidency.

'There is no place in these festivals for those who do not share these core values,' Saed pointed out, underscoring that culture is a matter of sovereignty. 'Culture is not merely a series of festivals or temporary exhibitions held over a few days or weeks. Every cultural and artistic event must contribute to the defense of freedom and liberation-not only in Tunisia but across the world.'

President Saed instructed the government to increase efforts so as to ensure that culture plays a major role in fostering a free, nationally grounded intellectual movement-one that serves as a shield against all forms of intellectual alienation, extremism, and terrorism.