EU expresses 'concern' about political situation in Tunisia

MENA

Published: 2021-09-10 19:39

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 12:37


Source: The Guardian
Source: The Guardian

European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, after his meeting with the Tunisian President on Friday, expressed the bloc's "concerns" about the political situation in the country, more than a month after the measures taken by Kais Saied.

The Tunisian president had taken exceptional measures on July 25, in particular freezing the work of Parliament for 30 days, which he later extended "until further notice," in addition to dismissing Prime Minister Hisham Al-Mashishi and taking over the executive authority himself.

"I conveyed to the President (Saeed) European concerns regarding preserving the gains of democracy in Tunisia, which is the only way to ensure the country's stability and prosperity," Borrell said after meeting in Tunisia with Kais Saied, ministers and representatives of political parties and organizations.

"The free exercise of the legislative power and the resumption of parliamentary activity are part of these gains and must be respected," he added.

Borrell affirmed the Europeans' "respect" for "Tunisian sovereignty," pointing out that "the European Union is committed to consolidating democracy in Tunisia and respecting the rule of law and basic freedoms."

"It is important to lead the country towards restoring institutional stability and preserving its democratic principles," he added.

Since the decisions taken by Saeed, deputies, businessmen and officials have been imposed on travel bans and house arrest as part of a "cleansing" campaign to combat corruption, which raised fears for rights and freedoms in the country.

The European official also called on the Tunisian authorities to "listen to the wishes and aspirations of the Tunisian people within the framework of an open and transparent dialogue."

Since 2011, the European Union has represented one of Tunisia's most important financiers, along with the International Monetary Fund, and has supported the Tunisian authorities "in their choice to establish a permanent and effective democracy," according to Borrell.

He explained that the European Union is awaiting "concrete decisions that will be taken in the coming weeks" in order to decide how to provide "better support" to Tunisia.

Many Tunisian human rights organizations, parties and unions have warned of the continued ambiguity and uncertainty in the country's political scene, especially since Saeed has not yet appointed a new prime minister and has not revealed a political roadmap that he will follow in the future.