(3 minutes read)
- The Speaker of Parliament in Tunisia denounced decisions announced last Monday by President Kais Saied
- He termed the announcements as illegal and unconstitutional
- Importantly, the Tunisian president extended for one year the suspension of parliament and announced a referendum to reform the constitution
The Speaker of Parliament in Tunisia denounced decisions announced last Monday by President Kais Saied. He termed the announcements as illegal and unconstitutional.
Importantly, the Tunisian president extended for one year the suspension of parliament and announced a referendum to reform the constitution.
Many interpret the recent announcements by the incumbent president as a strategy to be the representative of the people, even if that means opposing people in the political parties. One of the announcements in the recent four hour speech of his was the organization of a consultation with the Tunisian citizens on the ground and through the Internet from January 1st to March 20th. The 20th of March is the date of independence of the country. Many feel that this could be a ploy to arrive at a new Constitution that enshrines the people and not one that has been adopted by the political parties.
Political establishment in Tunisia did not take the announcement kindly.Many feel that tensions are set to rise. The announcement also is believed to have led to some unsavory situations. A week ago, there was a fire in the headquarters of the Islamist party. That raises questions at a time when this party has been completely emptied of its influence, as the Assembly of People’s Representatives, where they had the upper hand has been completely frozen.
Last July, President Saied dismissed the prime minister and suspended parliament in what many claim was an attempt to remove Islamist party- Ennahdha- from the government.
