Meloni’s problematic strategies in Tunisia

Tunisia finds itself in the midst of a profound institutional, economic and social crisis which can be traced back to President Kais Saied’s consolidation of power on July 25th, 2021. Regrettably,Tunisia has since experienced a disturbing descent into an authoritarian abyss. President Saied has asserted extraordinary powers for himself, including the dissolution of parliament and the implementation of rule by decree. Furthermore, the constitution expands his authority and simultaneously endangers fundamental human rights principles.

 One notable change in the constitution is the president’s power of modifying the legislative system of the country. President Saied has exercised his power by decreeing the ability to dismiss judges ( a power he was not reluctant to use,leading to the removal of 57 judges from their positions. This move raises concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary, key pillars of a functioning and fair legal system. Additionally, the President has issued laws which limit one’s freedom of expression, leading to the investigation against government opponents. These alarming actions are consequences to apprehensions about the erosion of all democratic values that were present a decade before Saied’s consolidation. The progress towards a pluralistic society and the flourishing of a vibrant civil society has halted due to the lack of human rights considerations.

 Since February of this year, Tunisian authorities have carried out a series of arrests targeting activists, lawyers, journalists and politicians (including Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the main opposition party who was sentenced to one year in prison). Amongst these targeted investigations with no concrete legal basis are four prominent lawyers; one who defends opposing political leaders, an advocate on women’s rights, the leader of an opposing party dedicated to democratic reforms, and a former Minister of Justice.

Moreover President Saied’s policies, characterized by inconsistency and incoherence, have exacerbated economic instability in Tunisia. The country is grappling with high inflation, furthering the challenges faced by citizens. 

Disturbingly, The President’s rhetoric has fueled violence against refugees and migrants. Less than 6 months ago, Saied delivered a racist speech targeting individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa, which triggered a wave of racially motivated attacks against those communities in Tunisia (who have been subject to brutal physical assaults, like Manuela D., a Cameroon refugee who was stabbed outside her car with severe injuries). Numerous individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes and subject to theft and arrest.

In response to President’s Saied attack on the rule of law, repression of dissent, and xenophobic comments, The African Union, The United Nations and The United States have expressed strong opposition to the Tunisian government in place and Saied’s repressive measures.

However, the Italian government, driven by concerns over increased sea arrivals from Tunisia and influenced by its desire to reverse thai trend, has engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure financial support in Saied’s government. In doing so, it has turned a blind eye to its repressive measures that curtail freedoms and undermine human rights. Since February,  Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonia Tajani have been actively seeking financial support from international entities such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, the United States and countries including Qatar and Alegria. The Italian government has supplied Tunisian coastguards with 12 boats and four more expected in the efforts to block refugees and migrants from leaving the country. Yet the violations of migrant rights, compounded by the absence of an asylum law and the lack of a fair legal system, may potentially lead to a further increase in departures. Thus the approach taken by Meloni’s government appears to be short-sighted, morally dubious and potentially illegal.

Rather than exerting pressure on its international partners to disregard the disastrous policies of President Saied, the Italian government should make its support conditional upon specific and decisive actions to restore the rule of law, cease attacks against freedom of expression and political opponents, and address all forms of discrimination. It is crucial for Italy to promote and adhere to human rights principles of justice, democracy, and respect for fundamental freedoms.