On Saturday, a senior White House official told President Keith Said that Tunisia should quickly return to its “democratic path”, and a few days later he seized power, including the suspension of parliament.
According to a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jack Sullivan expressed support for “Tunisian democracy based on fundamental rights, strong institutions, and a commitment to the rule of law,” during an hour-long conversation with Said. “.
Saied fired Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on July 25 and suspended Parliament for 30 days. He ordered the crackdown on corruption of 460 businessmen and an investigation into suspected illegal funding of political parties.
The President’s unexpected move plunged Tunisia into political turmoil.
Read | Tunisian President says MPs will not become dictators after being arrested
The US statement stated that this call “focuses on the urgent need for Tunisian leaders to outline the urgent need for a rapid return to Tunisian democracy.”
It added: “This will require the rapid formation of a new government led by a competent prime minister to stabilize Tunisia’s economy and respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In addition to political turmoil, the North African country is also plagued by a severe economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and high unemployment rates, as well as a surge in Covid-19 infections.
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