Media Statement on the Escalation of Political Situation in Tunisia

Media Statement on the Escalation of Political Situation in Tunisia

Geneva July 25th, 2021

Tunisian President Kais Saied invoked emergency powers to dismiss the country's president of the government, suspended parliament for 30 days and took on the role of public prosecutor. The day after, he announced the dismissal of the Minister of defense and the minister of Justice. The President is now going to rule by decree, and he declared that he is going to nominate a chief of government /prime minister.

The speaker of the parliament who was stopped on Monday July 26th, by the military from entering parliament, announced that this is an assault on democracy and called to respect the constitution.

President Said emphasized that what was announced was not a coup but a temporary step as remedy to a difficult situation linked with pandemic Covid-19 and the political, economic, and social issues. The strategy of the President Said seems not to be clear yet to all as he failed to convince others about his interpretation of the constitution and his plan for the near future.

Most of the political parties, the national organizations, trade Unions and NGOS are calling the president to respect the agreed rules and engagements under the democratic umbrella to preserve the gains of the revolution of freedom and dignity.

GCIAD reminds that Tunisia is still a fragile democracy but was the only bright spot in the 2011 Arab Spring. Tunisia managed to remove its leader and to avoid war or a return to authoritarianism. It is a key to follow the democratic process for Tunisia people and for the stability of the region today. GCIAD has noticed that the president rejects that this is a coup, but expresses the concern that the president's actions are dangerous for Tunisia's democracy and urges politicians in Tunisia to respect the country's constitution and follow the democratic and transparent rules. 

Due to the current situation, GCIAD warns of the danger of continuing to adopt a violent political discourse, the aggression against public and private property and personal freedoms.

Moreover, it Calls all concerned parties to avoid an escalation and emphasizes the need to keep the democratic principles, the respect of the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and not to involve the military institution in the current tension.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

President

Geneva Council on International Affairs and Development (GCIAD)