Will Tunisia’s new constitution end its political crisis?
Tunisia’s president Kais Saied has released a new draft constitution that will give him what some critics have described as “royal powers”. It is set to be voted on in a referendum on July 25.
If passed, the president will be given ultimate authority over the government and judiciary, and parliament’s powers will be significantly weakened.
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Tunisia is not alone in this regard – other nations have also used their constitutions to allow their leaders to remain in office and strengthen their powers.
So, what’s behind this move?
Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra
Guests:
Zaid Al-Ali – Constitutional law specialist and author of, Arab Constitutionalism: The Coming Revolution
Alex Vines – Director of the Africa programme at Chatham House
Amine Snoussi – Political analyst specialising in Tunisian and North African affairs