Tuesday 15 February 2022

France 'Concerned' as Tunisia's President Extends Powers

France 'Concerned' as Tunisia's President Extends Powers

Arab World

Asharq Al-Awsat
France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. Paul Ellis/Pool via REUTERS

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Tuesday voiced concern after Tunisia's President Kais Saied gave himself sweeping powers over the judiciary in the former French protectorate. Saied on Sunday officially replaced a judicial watchdog he had vowed to dissolve, and through a decree gave himself the capacity to block judicial appointments and sack judges. "There have been a number of concerning actions by President Kais Saied. I'm thinking in particular of the dissolution of the High Judicial Council," AFP quoted Le Drian as telling the foreign affairs committee in parliament. Thousands protested in central Tunis on Sunday against what they said was another blow to their democracy. Saied in July last year sacked the government, suspended parliament and seized a range of powers before moving to rule by decree.



from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3477916/france-concerned-tunisias-president-extends-powers

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