Statement by the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, following its visit to Tunisia from 11 to 13 April. Members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Michael Gahler (EPP), visited Tunisia from 11 to 13 April.
During a press conference in Tunis at the end of their visit, they strongly encouraged all Tunisian stakeholders to engage in a genuinely inclusive national dialogue to urgently tackle the political and economic crisis. The delegation issued the following statement: “In the past days, we have had the opportunity to meet with a broad number of Tunisian counterparts including President, government, political parties, trade unions, national electoral authority and civil society.
Tunisia has undergone more than a decade of democratic transition, during which democratic institutions have been established and put to the test. Despite challenges along the way, the world has witnessed an unprecedented improvement of basic rights and freedoms in Tunisia. The country has been a beacon of freedom in the Arab world. However, we note the concentration of powers in the hands of the President. We acknowledge that Tunisians continue to have a desire for democracy, prosperity and a life in dignity. However, we now note with greatest concern the sharp and continuing deterioration of the political, economic and social situation, further exacerbated by Covid and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
There is an urgent need for reforms, and we encourage a broad set of proposals emanating from all walks of Tunisian society in this process. The European Union continues to stand by the side of Tunisia, including through urgent and substantial financial assistance. We also stand ready to engage and to offer technical assistance for inclusive and transparent efforts towards political and economic reforms, including assistance to help evaluate electoral reform options. In the same vein, we also wholeheartedly encourage Tunisian authorities to draw on the invaluable expertise of the Venice Commission. It is our firm impression that the Tunisian people have full confidence in the professionalism and neutrality of the Instance Superieure Indépendante pour les Elections (ISIE), which have been proven in the previous elections, and we stress the importance of preserving its independence.
We underlined in our discussions that the political legitimacy both of the President and the Members of Parliament emanate equally from the people, from the same constitution. Going forward, 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 above-mentioned stakeholders.
We would like to thank the Tunisian authorities and society for their warm welcome.” Composition of the delegation
The delegation was composed of the following Members:
• Michael Gahler (EPP) – Chair of the Delegation
• Javier Nart (Renew Europe)
• Jakop Dalunde (Greens/ALE)
• Andrea Cozzolino (S&D)
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