French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday described as an “important step” the controversial referendum which led to the adoption of a new Constitution in Tunisia granting vast prerogatives to the head of state and called on his counterpart Kais Saied to work for an “inclusive dialogue” in his country.
“The President of the Republic indicated that the holding of the referendum on the draft constitution on July 25 was an important step in the ongoing political transition process”, declared the French presidency after a telephone conversation between the two Heads of State.
“He recalled the need, with respect for Tunisia’s sovereignty, to complete the reform of institutions under way within the framework of an inclusive dialogue,” she added. The new fundamental law was passed by an overwhelming majority of 94.6%, according to preliminary results, but the low turnout – a quarter of voters – undermines the legitimacy of the process, according to its opponents. Legislative elections are due to take place on December 17.
The United States warned against the risk that the Constitution does not sufficiently guarantee the rights and freedoms of Tunisians. The European Union called on the authorities to “preserve” fundamental freedoms and insisted on the need for a “broad consensus” between political forces and civil society for “all important political and economic reforms” to come.
Human rights defenders and the opposition denounce the lack of checks and balances
Tunisia, facing an economic crisis aggravated by the Covid and the war in Ukraine, has been very polarized since Mr. Saied, democratically elected in 2019, seized all powers on July 25, 2021, arguing that he was ungovernable. from the country.
According to the new fundamental law, the president who cannot be impeached appoints the head of government and the ministers and can dismiss them as he pleases.
Human rights defenders and the opposition denounce the absence of checks and balances and safeguards in this text. The French president also reiterated that Tunisia could “count on the support of France” in its discussions with the International Monetary Fund for the granting of a loan, conditional on the implementation of a program of reforms.
He also said “the readiness of France to work with Tunisia to meet the food needs” of the country in the face of the shortages caused by the war in Ukraine, one of the world’s leading producers of cereals with Russia.