(3 minutes read)
- Tunisian President Kais Saied announced that a new government would be appointed soon and indicated future reform of the Constitution
- He added that he would select the most honest personalities to lead the country
- Mr. Saied dismissed the Prime Minister on July 2, suspended the activities of parliament and also took over the judiciary, for a month renewable before extending these measures on 24 August
Tunisian President Kais Saied announced that a new government would be appointed soon and indicated future reform of the Constitution. He added that he would select the most honest personalities to lead the country.Mr. Saied dismissed the Prime Minister on July 2, suspended the activities of parliament and also took over the judiciary, for a month renewable before extending these measures on 24 August.
However, the president did not give a precise date for the formation of the government, but said that he was continuing with the search for personalities who could assume this responsibilities. President Saied also referred to the 2014 Constitution and commented that while he respected it (Constitution) there could be amendments to it. He added that the Tunisian people rejected the Constitution and “Constitutions are not eternal”. While upholding the constitution, it was necessary to amend the provisions that people rejected.
Many Tunisians welcomed the move mentioning that it would end the corruption. But opponents, political parties, magistrates and lawyers said they feared a drift towards authoritarian rule. Major political formations also criticized the move. The powerful trade union centre UGTT called for early legislative elections so that a new parliament can be formed.