Kais Saied 给突尼斯民主第二次机会

Tunisia's President, Kais Saied, has taken a significant step towards reshaping the country's democratic landscape by dismissing the government and suspending parliament, marking a critical turning point since the 2011 revolution. This bold move was unexpected by both international entities and local stakeholders, notably the United States and the European Union.

The catalyst for this decision lies in the widespread dissatisfaction with the current political climate, particularly among the younger population. The discontent stems from the humiliation and lack of control over their lives experienced by the majority of Tunisians below the age of thirty. The uprising, known as "Hiya thawrat karama" or "revolution of honour and dignity," was driven by the need to assert personal control and reclaim lost pride.

Saied's actions have garnered support from key figures within the Tunisian military, including Colonel-Major Khaled Yahyaoui, who oversees the president's security and holds high republican integrity, and Admiral Kamel Akrout, who recently advocated for invoking constitutional provisions to prevent the sale of state land to foreign investors. These actions indicate the president's commitment to preserving individual liberties and countering corruption.

The Islamist party, Ennahda, led by Rached Ghannouchi, initially condemned the move as a coup. However, it shares responsibility for the deteriorating economic conditions since 2011 and the government's inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ennahda has been part of every government since 2012, contributing to a period marked by bitter cultural conflicts and inefficiency in managing the economy.

Despite Western perceptions of Tunisia as a model of good governance, the reality reveals a society grappling with a persistent unemployment rate higher than in 2011, declining living standards, and growing regional disparities. The majority of young Tunisians aspire to leave the country, perceiving it as a sinking ship, due to the corruption and ineffectiveness of major political parties.

Kais Saied's presidency, while marked by landslide victories, now faces the challenge of demonstrating his ability to govern effectively. The lack of clarity in the constitution regarding the powers of the head of state, prime minister, and parliament speaker has resulted in constant wrangling between these entities. The president, inspired by the figure of the second caliph of Islam, Umar Ibn-Khattab, aims to distinguish between good and evil in governance.

The Tunisian army, a respected institution with professional and non-political characteristics, has shown support for Saied's actions, emphasizing its role as a de facto guarantor of state integrity. With tens of thousands of Tunisians celebrating the president's decision, there is a renewed hope for a strong leadership capable of restoring dignity, respect, and job opportunities.

The road ahead for Saied involves navigating the complexities of political reform, managing the army's popularity, and securing international support. The coming weeks will determine whether his actions were based on a well-thought-out plan or if they were taken without a clear roadmap. Despite challenges, Saied's bold move offers a second chance for Tunisia's democracy, potentially revitalizing the promise of change initiated by the 2011 revolution.