UN chief Guterres urges preservation of 'democratic values' of Tunisia revolution

UN chief Guterres urges preservation of 'democratic values' of Tunisia revolution
The UN chief said the international body has been monitoring Tunisia’s situation "with concern" following President Kais Saied’s move to consolidate power.
1 min read
22 January, 2022
Antonio Guterres called for a 'full restoration of an institutional democratic framework that works for all Tunisians'. [Getty]

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged for the safeguarding of the “democratic values” of Tunisia’s revolution.

“The Tunisian democratic revolution was something that inspired hope around the world, and we certainly want it to be preserved in all democratic values,” Guterres told reporters.

The UN chief said the international body has been monitoring Tunisia’s situation "with concern" following President Kais Saied’s move to consolidate power.

“We see the concerns and I hope that these concerns will be lifted by the full restoration of an institutional democratic framework that works for all Tunisians,” Guterres said.

Saied dismissed Tunisia's government in a July power-grab that engulfed the country in a political and economic crisis exacerbated by mounting coronavirus cases.

His move was initially backed by some Tunisians who were tired of a political elite viewed as corrupt and incapable of resolving the country's problems.

Many have described the North African leader's actions on 25 July and afterwards as a "coup". Last month, Saied decided Tunisia's parliament would remain suspended pending December 2022 elections.