EU Official: Tunisian Parliament Cannot be Closed Indefinitely

The European Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security, Josep Borrell, said today, Wednesday, that the Tunisian parliament cannot remain closed indefinitely.

Borrell's statement came before the members of the European Parliament meeting at his headquarters in the French city of Strasbourg.

He added that it is necessary for the future of the country (Tunisia) and for its internal and international credibility, that the President (Kais Saied) and the Tunisian authorities, at all levels, restore the full constitutional and institutional order, including the   Parliament.

On Monday, Borrell said in a press conference that he had spoken a few days ago with the Tunisian President, pointing out that during his phone call with him, he stressed the importance of preserving the gains of democracy in Tunisia, and respect for the principle of separation of powers, and ensuring the normal return to institutional life.

Last July, Tunis’ President suspended the powers of Parliament for a month, and then issued a presidential decree that stated this suspension for an indefinite period.

Last Saturday, the Tunisian General Labor Union( TGLU), the largest trade union organization in Tunisia, announced its rejection of what it described as "foreign interference" in Tunisia's affairs and prejudice to its sovereignty.

A statement issued by the union’s executive officer stated that attempts to interfere in Tunisian affairs were numerous that happened through statements by officials of some countries, or by allocating a session to the US Congress on the situation in Tunisia or preparing for a voting session in the European Parliament.

The statement of the union added that these activities are carried out through lobbies along with the incitement of some Tunisian opponents of the path introduced by the exceptional measures announced by the President of the Republic" on July 25th.

The union added that it condemns once again the persecution of some people associated with the lobbies and some political parties on the thresholds of embassies and countries and their incitement against Tunisia under the pretext of defending democracy.