Tunisia’s President Kais Saied Has been Alleged of Staging a Coup Amid riots
Kais Saied claims he behaved in line with the law.
The action was made in response to Sunday’s violent public protests over the government’s actions of the coronavirus epidemic as well as the financial and social upheaval.
Late on Monday, ousted Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi said he would hand over his responsibilities to whoever Mr. Saied appoints.
Mr. Mechichi stated in a statement that he does not wish to be a “disruptive element.”
His remarks come despite mounting calls for caution from the international community.
According to his office, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi on Monday and urged him to “continue open communication with all political players and the Tunisian people.”
The United Nations stated that “all disputes… should be resolved through dialogue,” while the European Union encouraged all parties concerned to uphold the rule of law and avoid conflict.
Similar pleas were made by the Arab League, Russia, and Qatar.
Clashes between Mr. Saied’s supporters and opponents raged on Monday in Tunis.
They hurled stones at each other outside the legislature, which was guarded by troops.
Mr. Saied, an independent elected in 2019, has a long-standing dispute with Mr. Mechichi, who is supported by parliament’s largest party, the moderate Islamists Ennahda.
The defense and justice ministries have also been fired by the president.
Tunisia’s 2011 revolution is sometimes held up as the single triumph of the Arab Spring revolts across the region, although it has not resulted in economic or political stability.
The current increase of Covid cases has exacerbated long-standing public dissatisfaction. Last week, the health minister was fired as a result of a botched vaccination campaign.
Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets on Sunday to protest the Prime Minister and Ennahda.
The local headquarters of the party in the southwestern city of Touzeur were set on fire.
Mr. Saied said in a televised address, “We have made these measures… until social harmony returns to Tunisia and we preserve the state.”
He promised to use military force if there was further bloodshed.
For a long time, President Saied and Mr. Mechichi have been at odds.
Many see it as new optimism after a year of tumultuous administration; others see it as a constitutionally dubious decision with potentially disruptive repercussions and far-reaching effects.
The events are primarily related to a tense power struggle between the presidency, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament.
The speed with which a new prime minister is selected – and a new plan for going forward is conveyed – will be critical to how all of this plays out.
For a long time, President Saied and Mr. Mechichi have been at odds.
Mr. Saied has stated that he would now lead with a new Prime Minister while Parliament is suspended for 30 days.
He used the constitution as justification for his conduct, although the legal context is ambiguous.
