Concerned about the current concentration of power in the hands of the Tunisian President, Kaïs Saïed (see EUROPE 12816/10), the European Parliament on Thursday 21 October called for “a return to true democracy and the resumption of parliamentary activity as soon as possible, within the framework of a national dialogue”, as well as for the proclamation of a clear roadmap.
The joint resolution from The Left, Greens/EFA, Renew Europe, S&D, EPP and ECR groups, which MEPs adopted (534 votes in favour, 45 against and 106 abstentions), recalls that in a democracy the balance of power and separation of powers must prevail.
The Parliament also calls on the Tunisian authorities to respect the country’s constitution and to ensure that the fundamental rights of all citizens are respected. “Any changes to the Constitution and the political system can only be made within the limits of the Constitution”, it warns.
MEPs also stressed the urgent need to overcome the socioeconomic crisis facing the country through structural reforms and policies.
They are also calling on the EU to intensify its dialogue with the Tunisian authorities, economic entities, and civil society, to continue programmes that directly support Tunisian citizens, and to reinforce assistance where necessary in light of the current crisis, including with healthcare support to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
See the resolution: https://bit.ly/3AXZeJf (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)