Tunisian President Fires Prime Minister, Raids Media And Takes Control
July 27, 2021– Tunisia, while seen as the Arab Spring’s “success model” has entered into its largest political crisis since 2011. Tunisia is one of many countries hit especially hard by the global pandemic. Its economy shrank by 8 percent in 2020. People are expressing anger and demanding changes.
As the country faces an economic crisis and mass protests, Tunisian President Kais Saied is intensifying efforts to control the crisis. On Monday, he removed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi from office. Saied has since imposed a curfew through August 27 and banned gatherings of more than three people.
“The most dangerous thing faced by countries and societies is an internal explosion, internal fighting,” Saied said late Monday night in an address to the country.
As the country appeared to descend into crisis and an emergency lockdown, the European Union called on the government to preserve its democracy.
Tunisia’s Revolution
“Tunisia’s revolution in 2011 is often held up as the sole success of the Arab Spring revolts across the region, but it has not led to stability economically or politically,” reported BBC.
Since 2019, there have been clashes between the supporters of President Saied and the parliamentary opponents. The pandemic has led to increased economic and social chaos in Tunisia.
Health Care System Crash
The Healthy Ministry of Tunisia said the pandemic is leading the country into a health care system crash. The government refused a full national lockdown because of the economy’s fragility.
“We are in a catastrophic situation…the health system collapsed, we can only find a bed in hospitals with great difficulty,” said Nisaf Ben Alaya, Ministry Spokesperson, Reuters reported. “We are struggling to provide oxygen…doctors are suffering from unprecedented fatigue.”
Protestors Demand Change
Tunisian protesters were demonstrating for the dissolution of the existing parliament and for Mechichi to step down as Prime Minister.
President Saied not only removed the existing Tunisian prime minister but also, suspended the immunity of members of parliament and dismissed Defense Minister Ibrahim Bartagi and Acting Justice Minister Hasna Ben Silamne from their roles.
Raid on Media
Furthermore, Tunisian security forces raided the Tunis offices of Al Jazeera TV. They expelled network staff from their jobs and the building. Saied supporters identified the TV network as being sympathetic to the opposition party.
Opposition Group
Before the revolution, Tunisia only had one political party. Now, the country has multiple political parties. One of the largest is the Ennahda Movement, also known as the Renaissance Party or simply Ennahda. It is considered to be a moderate Islamists party, and it holds the most seats in Parliament. Ennahda is now calling for political dialogue. Today, the party’s leader took to Twitter to renew his call “for the need to distance it from political quarrels and rivalries.”
Press Freedom Strained
The Al Jazeera TV Network released a statement arguing that this raid is “an attack on press freedom.”
The Network added, “Al Jazeera considers this action by the Tunisian authorities as a troubling escalation and fears it will impede fair and objective coverage of unfolding events in the country.”
In a televised address, President Saied informed Tunisian civilians that these decisions will remain in place until peace returns and continued violence will be met with military force.
EU Calls for Preservation of Democracy
The European Union issued a statement asking the Tunisian government to restore parliamentary activity and institutional stability “as quickly as possible.” The EU noted the country is facing a major pandemic and economic crisis. “Preserving democracy and stability in the country is a priority,” the EU said today.
U.S. Reaction
Jen Psaki, White House Spokesperson, informed the press that the administration is in contact with Tunisian leaders and has grave concern over the recent developments. Senior-level representatives from the White House and State Department are attempting to further understand the situation and determine the best course of action to support the spread of democratic principles.
Want to know more about the Arab Spring countries? See our visual representation of the countries.
Additional reporting for this story by Patti Mohr
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2021 Patti Mohr