Tunisia is facing significant political and economic challenges, with a young democracy struggling to maintain its stability. Kais Saied, the country’s president, took full powers in July 2021 after being democratically elected in October 2019. Since then, he has dismissed the Prime Minister and frozen Parliament before eventually dissolving it. In 2022, a new Constitution was adopted by referendum that established a two-chamber system with limited powers, transforming Tunisia from a parliamentary regime to an ultra-presidentialist system.
Saied’s policies have been criticized by his opponents as authoritarian and autocratic tendencies. Prominent opposition figures have been detained, including leaders of political parties such as the conservative Islamist Ennahdha party and the Free Destourian Party. There have been accusations of a crackdown on dissent, with individuals labeled as “terrorists” for expressing opposing views. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International have condemned these actions as politically motivated.
The country faces significant economic challenges, including slow growth, rising poverty rates, high unemployment, and becoming a hub for migrants seeking to reach Europe through dangerous sea crossings. Saied’s xenophobic stance that targeted sub-Saharan African migrants has drawn criticism from international bodies like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The upcoming presidential election in Tunisia lacks suspense due to Saied’s potential candidacy and the weakened state of the opposition parties being key factors. While Saied has not formally declared his intention to run for re-election, the opposition faces obstacles in mobilizing support due to restrictions on their activities and the detention of key leaders. The National Salvation Front (FSN), the main opposition coalition, may present a unified candidate with Abir Moussi as a potential contender if released from prison.
In conclusion, Tunisia is facing significant challenges both politically and economically since its democratic emergence following the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. While efforts are being made to address these issues through policy changes and elections, ongoing tensions between different political factions continue to pose challenges for achieving long-term stability in this young democracy.
