A delegation of four MEPs visited Tunisia from 11 - 13 April. On Wednesday 13 April, they “strongly encouraged” all Tunisian stakeholders to engage in a truly inclusive national dialogue to urgently address the country’s political and economic crisis.
“We urgently encourage Tunisians to embark on a broad-based and structured Tuniso-Tunisian dialogue, including representatives from government, political parties, trade unions, civil society and women’s organisations, as this crisis can only have a solution with the full participation of all the above-mentioned stakeholders”, stressed the head of the delegation, Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), in a statement.
After a meeting with the delegation composed of Mr Gahler, Javier Nart (Renew Europe, Spain), Jakop Dalunde (Greens/EFA, Sweden) and Andrea Cozzolino (S&D, Italy), Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed explained that the national dialogue had already started, and would build on the results of the e-consultation in order to prepare the organisation of the referendum and the holding of legislative elections.
The delegation recalled that the political legitimacy of the President and the elected members of Parliament “emanates equally from the people and the Constitution”. Mr Gahler also stressed the importance of preserving the independence of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE).
Moreover, according to the MEP, “there is an urgent need for reform” in Tunisia. He encouraged a wide range of proposals from all spheres of Tunisian society in this process. Mr Gahler pledged that the EU will be ready to offer technical assistance for inclusive and transparent efforts towards political and economic reform, including assistance to help assess options for electoral reform. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)