Tunisia is facing an unprecedented political, economic, and social crisis, according to Mohamed Abbou, a former presidential candidate and founder of the Democratic Current party. Abbou asserts that this critical juncture follows more than four years after the constitutional shift on July 25, 2021.
Abbou highlighted the absence of the rule of law, a lack of trust in the judiciary and administration, and a diminishing hope for genuine reform. He argued that this situation is unsustainable in a country like Tunisia, which lacks the natural resources that allow authoritarian regimes to endure for decades.
Abbou questioned President Kais Saied’s ability to remain in power until 2029, or to amend the constitution to extend his term. He emphasized that continuing the current approach would lead to further internal and external isolation, making change inevitable. However, he did not specify the form or timing of this change.
While rejecting violence or bloody revolutions, Abbou affirmed the right to resist tyranny. He noted that popular movements often arise unexpectedly, as seen in 2010. He stressed that the solution must be Tunisian-led, based on creating a broad public opinion that pressures for an end to what he described as the “tampering with the state” and a restoration of the democratic process on a sound basis, while learning from past mistakes.
Addressing President Saied directly, Abbou urged him to recognize that his image has been tarnished and that the country can no longer tolerate populist decisions and vague texts, especially in the absence of an independent judiciary and a neutral administration. He suggested that remaining in power should not be an end in itself. Abbou proposed that a dignified exit, through calming the situation, releasing freedoms, and organizing genuine and fair elections, might be the only way to save the country.
Abbou’s statements reflect growing concerns about the current political and economic climate in Tunisia and the potential for significant change in the near future.
