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European Parliament Strongly Criticizes Kais Saied’s Regime

Report – The European Parliament recently discussed (Tuesday, October 22) the future of relations between the European Union and Tunisia in light of the political, economic and human rights challenges facing Tunisia. This discussion comes in the context of a strategic partnership between the European Union and Tunisia, which is an important neighbor with a significant impact on the stability of the region. With increasing criticism of the decline in democracy and human rights in Tunisia, including the repression of opponents, the restriction of freedoms and the harsh treatment of migrants, the European Union faces a challenge to strike a balance between supporting Tunisia’s stability and ensuring its respect for democratic values. In this discussion, urgent demands emerged to strengthen human rights and pressure the Tunisian authorities to adopt more open policies, with an emphasis on the importance of ongoing dialogue and economic support as tools to strengthen the partnership and overcome current crises.

Plenary session – 22.10.2024

Summary

The European Parliament discussed the dimensions of the EU-Tunisia strategic partnership, with speakers, including Commissioner Helena Dalli and MEPs from different countries, focusing on democratic, economic and humanitarian issues in Tunisia. Speakers addressed the democratic backsliding in Tunisia following the recent presidential elections, which saw low turnout and were accompanied by accusations of persecution of opponents and migrants.

The European Parliament expressed concern about human rights violations, the arrest of activists and journalists, and the harsh treatment of migrants. Members stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue with the Tunisian authorities, as Tunisia maintains its status as a strategic partner of the EU due to its geographical location and political importance. Despite criticism, the EU sought to strike a balance between preserving this partnership and demanding that Tunisia respect human rights and the rule of law.

Key points of discussion

Political and diplomatic framework: Members noted the importance of EU-Tunisia relations, emphasizing Tunisia’s strategic role as a bridge to the southern Mediterranean, and its importance for migration and regional stability. The EU sought to strike a balance between its support for Tunisia and pressuring the current regime to respect European values ​​such as democracy and human rights.

Key issues

  1. Political and democratic situation: Criticism of the Tunisian regime has increased due to repressive measures against opponents and restrictions on freedoms.
  2. Economic challenges: Economic and social problems persist despite some improvement, especially in the tourism sector.
  3. Migration: Parliament stressed cooperation on irregular migration issues between Tunisia and Europe, stressing the need to respect the rights of migrants.
  4. Human rights: Members called for an end to funding for parties contributing to repression in Tunisia, and for the promotion of fundamental rights.

The debate reflected a strong European interest in the future of Tunisia, with sharp criticism and demands for real reforms that would ensure the preservation of democracy and stability in the region.

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Call to Action

Website petition: Freedom for prisoners of conscience and activists in Tunisia!

Tunisia is no longer the Arab exception that inspired the world in 2011 with a heroic revolution that overthrew the rule of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who ruled for nearly 23 years after seizing power on November 7, 1987, in a coup against Habib Bourguiba.

In a similar and perhaps more dangerous move, on the night of July 25, 2021, Tunisian President Kais Saied carried out a “constitutional coup” in accordance with his personal interpretation of Article 80 of the 2014 Revolutionary Constitution, announcing that he had taken a set of exceptional measures due to the “imminent danger” that threatens Tunisia without providing any details or reasons.

In accordance with these measures, Saied dismissed the government and the prime minister Hichem Mechichi who was present at the National Security Council that night at the Carthage Palace, and claimed that he had contacted the Speaker of Parliament Rached Ghannouchi (leader of the Ennahdha party) to consult with him in accordance with what is stipulated by the constitution, a claim which Ghannouchi denied since the call was general and did not include anything about exceptional measures or any consultation on the matter. The president suspended Parliament and later dissolved it in March 2022.

Not only did Saied seek to bypass his powers and the articles of the Constitution, which he swore to protect before the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, but he went on to dismiss and change the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council after redefining the judiciary it as a “function” rather than an independent authority. He further replaced members of the Supreme Electoral Commission in preparation for the referendum he held in order to vote on a constitution that he wrote himself after dismissing the proposals of the drafting committee he had himself appointed. Then legislative elections were held over two rounds, in which the participation rate did not exceed 8% of the total number of voters, with the Election Commission later announcing that it had reached 11%, which is the lowest participation rate in Tunisia and globally.

On February 11, President Saied’s regime launched a campaign of protests that has not stopped since, against political leaders, media figures, journalists, judges and senior officials and civil servants, for charges of “conspiring against the security of the state and committing an offensive act against the President of the Republic,” in addition to other charges that were referred to the military prosecution, leading one to wonder about the implication of the Tunisian army in the actions taken by Saied.

The arbitrary arrests were marred by several procedural violations amid criticism from prominent international organizations and observatories in the field of human rights. The standards of litigation and detention period and conditions were not respected. Prosecution and harassment sometimes extended to the detainees’ families, and no evidence, and in many cases, no charges against them were presented.

Moreover trade unions and political parties continue to be subjected to constant harassment and restrictions. Saied continues to target all “intermediary bodies” accusing them of “collaboration” or “treason”. Civil society associations have also been subjected to prosecution, arbitrary arrests and deprivation from representation, in a context of of increasing violence in society due to the authorities’ adoption of racist and discriminatory speeches and rhetoric inciting infighting and violating human dignity.

In light of the above, we, the undersigned, demand the following:

Call for the immediate release of all political detainees, immediately and unconditionally. We also urge the Tunisian authorities to recognize the national and the international human rights treaties they have ratified.
Call on the Tunisian authorities to stop dismantling the nascent democracy and put an end to unfair trials and prosecutions against political opponents of the regime and anyone who criticises it.
Call on all activists and observers to join the national movement for restoring democracy and ending authoritarian rule that has taken Tunisia back to despotism, injustice, and violations of rights and freedoms.