The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, on Friday, September 10, expressed his "
apprehensions
" to the Tunisian President, Kais Saied, who has concentrated all powers since July 25, calling on him to restore parliamentary activity and guarantee "
the democratic anchoring
”of the country.
Read alsoWhere is Tunisia heading after the president's coup?
"
I conveyed to the President the European apprehensions
regarding
the preservation of the democratic acquis in Tunisia
", declared Josep Borrell, after meeting in Tunis Kais Saied, several ministers, as well as representatives of political parties and of the civil society.
A "respect" for the "sovereignty of Tunisia"
Recalling that Tunisia was "
an important partner
" for the European Union, he stressed that "
the free exercise of legislative power and the resumption of parliamentary activity were part of this (democratic) acquis and should be respected
". Josep Borrell defended himself from any desire for interference, stressing the “
respect
” of Europeans “
for the sovereignty of Tunisia
”. However, he reminded President Saied "
of the European Union's attachment to the democratic anchoring of Tunisia, as well as to respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms
". He is "
important to lead the country towards the reestablishment of institutional stability while preserving its democratic fundamentals
”, insisted Josep Borrell.
Elected at the end of 2019, Kais Saied invoked the Constitution on July 25 to dismiss the head of government with whom he was in conflict, suspend Parliament and assume all powers (executive, parliamentary and judicial).
Since this coup, arrests, travel bans and house arrest have targeted several personalities as part of an
anti-corruption
"
purge
", raising fears of a decline in freedoms.
The European High Representative also called on the Tunisian authorities to remain "
attentive to the wishes and aspirations of the Tunisian people within the framework of an open and transparent dialogue
", so that the country can "
resume the path of consolidation. democratic
”.
The EU, one of the country's main financial backers
Since 2011, the EU, one of the country's main financial backers with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has "
committed
" alongside the Tunisian authorities "
in their choice to build a sustainable and efficient democracy, at the service of of the people,
”recalled Josep Borrell.
According to him, the EU is waiting to see "
the concrete actions and measures that will be taken in the coming weeks
" to decide how "to
better support and accompany
" Tunisia.
Read also Tunisia: the EU calls for a rapid return to "institutional stability"
For his part, Kais Saied underlined during the interview "
Tunisia's strong attachment to its partnership with the European space and its firm adherence to democratic values, human rights and the rule of law that it shares. with the EU,
”the Tunisian presidency said in a statement. The president also said, according to the press release, that the measures taken on July 25 were aimed at "
saving the state and responding to a broad popular will, with no intention of going back on the gains
" in terms of democracy.
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