Tunisian President Qais Said on Thursday, June 30, published a draft constitution that will be put to a referendum on July 25, a national holiday, and gives the head of state vast powers, marking a radical break with the parliamentary system. place
The text published in the official journal confirms the expected presidentialization of the regime, stating that: “The President of the Republic exercises the executive power, assisted by the Government headed by the Head of the Government”. which he means. This government will not be presented to parliament to gain confidence. According to the published draft, the president will also have broad powers: he is the supreme commander of the armed forces, defines the general policy of the state and ratifies laws. It can also submit legislative texts to the parliament, “Who should examine them first?”. In addition to the fact that the text significantly reduces the role and power of the parliament, it also provides for the creation of a second chamber, “National Assembly of Regions”..
A presidential system without checks and balances, with an all-powerful president, a powerless parliament, and an invulnerable judiciary. »
Said Benarbian, Director of the International Commission of Jurists
The draft constitution also does not mention Islam “state religion”, as Zadok Belaid, the lawyer who headed the committee responsible for drafting this text, told AFP already on June 6. The omission is intended to combat Islamist-inspired parties such as Ennahda, President Said’s pet. The draft constitution guarantees “individual and public rights and freedoms” and affirms that men and women are “With equal rights and responsibilities”. It also states that the right “Peaceful gatherings and demonstrations are guaranteed.”.
The new Constitution is supposed to replace the 2014 constitution, which was a source of repeated conflicts between the executive and legislative branches. The opposition and human rights organizations accuse Said of seeking to adopt a text tailored to him. Said Benarbia, director of the International Commission of Jurists, told AFP that the draft Constitution published on Thursday. “disrespects the idea of separation of powers”. and configure “A presidential system without checks and balances, with an all-powerful president, a powerless parliament, and an invulnerable judiciary.”.
After months of political gridlock, Qais Said, elected in late 2019, assumed full power on July 25, 2021, ousting the prime minister and suspending the Ennahda-dominated parliament, weakening the young democracy, the cradle of the Arab Spring. .
The constitutional referendum will coincide with the 1st anniversary of this coup.
Source: Le Figaro
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