Tunisia: In Brief
Abstract
As of March 15, 2020, Tunisia had initiated travel restrictions and other emergency measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, having reported at least 20 confirmed domestic cases. Tunisia remains the sole country to have made a durable transition to democracy as a result of the 2011 "Arab Spring." An elected assembly adopted a new constitution in 2014 and Tunisians have since held two competitive national elections - most recently in late 2019 - resulting in peaceful transfers of power. Tunisia has also taken steps toward empowering local-level government, with landmark local elections held in 2018. Yet the economy has suffered due to domestic, regional, and global factors, driving public dissatisfaction with political leaders. High unemployment and inflation, unpopular fiscal austerity measures, and concerns about corruption have spurred protests, labor unrest, and a backlash against mainstream politicians in recent years. Voters in the 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections largely rejected established parties and candidates in favor of independents and non-career politicians. The results unsettled Tunisias previous political alliances and may have implications for the future contours of its foreign relations and economic policies. Newly elected President Kais Saied, who ran as an independent, is a constitutional scholar known for his socially conservative views and critique of Tunisia's post-2011 political system. The self-described "Muslim democrat" party Al Nahda secured a slim plurality in parliament, but it has lost seats in each successive election since 2011. After protracted negotiations, a technocrat designated by President Saied, Elyes Fakhfakh, secured parliamentary backing for a coalition government in late February 2020.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1170080
Entities
People
- Alexis Arieff
Organizations
- Library of Congress