Parliament in Tunisia opened after 20 months

The Tunisian People’s Assembly, whose work was frozen by the extraordinary decisions of Tunisian President Kays Said on July 25, 2021, began its work with the first session held after the early general elections.

The opening session of the Assembly of the Tunisian People, broadcast live on Tunisian state television, began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. Salih al-Mubarak (70), who presided over the session as the oldest member of parliament, said in his speech: “Our country is experiencing great difficulties. We want to fulfill the executive duty, which is one of our most important duties, in a positive and participatory manner within the framework of the unity of the State, in harmony with the other State institutions.

Mubarak, who entered parliament as an independent MP, said: “We will try to work to overcome the serious challenges ahead by duly doing our duty to this country.” he used his statements.

The inaugural session, in which journalists were not allowed to enter, continued with the election of the two youngest deputies to the Presidency Council.

POLITICAL CRISIS IN TUNISIA

Tunisian President Kays Said froze the work of the Assembly with the extraordinary decisions he announced on July 25, 2021, and two months later, he expanded his powers with new decrees and tied up the executive power.

Despite the parliamentary work freeze, President Said dissolved the Assembly the same day after members of parliament held an online session on March 30, 2022. Announcing that parliament will remain closed until elections are held early general elections, said Said, within the scope of the “road map out of the political crisis”, a constitutional referendum was held on July 25, 2022, followed by early general elections on July 25, 2022. 17 December 2022.

The fact that the turnout remained at 11 percent in both rounds of the general elections caused the opposition to open debate on the legitimacy of President Said.

In Tunisia, where the economic crisis that has been going on for years has deepened after the president’s decisions, some segments describe Said’s steps as a “coup” and argue that the country is moving away from democracy. (AA)