Politics

Tunisia-Ghannouchi calls on the deputies to return to work

Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Tunisian Islamist Ennahda party, checks his ballot behind a booth at a polling station in Ben Arous near the capital Tunis on May 6, 2018, as the country votes in the first free municipal elections since the 2011 revolution. - Tunisians head to the polls on May 6 in what is seen as another milestone on the road to democracy in the birthplace of the Arab Spring, despite muted interest in the poll as struggles with corruption and poverty continue. Though parliamentary and presidential votes have taken place since the fall of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, municipal polls have been delayed four times due to logistic, administrative and political deadlocks. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)

The presidency of the House of People’s Representatives issued a statement on Friday, October 1, 2021, declaring that the Bureau of the Assembly remains in a permanent meeting, calling on MPs to resume their parliamentary work calmly and in respect of the provisions of the Constitution and the law while showing resistance to restore democracy and its symbol, particularly the Tunisian Parliament.

The Presidency of Parliament indicated that October 1 coincides with the first day of the third parliamentary session, however also with exceptional measures and an unparalleled constitutional situation, in addition to socio-economic hurdles. It adds that this situation entails reason and wisdom in its treatment while complying with the provisions of the Constitution and the law.

The same statement underscores the importance of solidarity to protect the foundations of the state and stop its collapse, evoking, in this context, the principled position of the presidency of Parliament refusing the activation of Article 80. The Presidency of Parliament considers that Presidential Decree 117 constitutes a true obstacle to the Constitution and a stranglehold on the prerogatives of Parliament, to bring together all the powers in the hands of one person, which is in contradiction with the challenges posed by the 2011 revolution.

Therefore, it places all the responsibility on the President of the Republic for the closure of the assembly and all that may result from it.