Summary:

On Friday, 16 June 2023, the head of the National Salvation Front Ahmed Nejib Chebbi was questioned by a counterterrorism prosecutor in Tunis in relation to an investigation into conspiracy against the state. Similar charges have been leveraged against several dozen opposition figures to justify their detention.

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The 78-year-old Chebbi was released following his questioning but expressed fears for his freedom in light of the current political environment in Tunisia and the fates of many other opposition figures.

On 6 June, Chebbi had spoken out publicly against President Kais Saied and his reform program and perceived crackdown on the political opposition. Chebbi had characterized the President as having a “monopoly on power” and characterized the current environment as being marked by “repression.

Outlook:  

Tunisia’s political opposition has played a quieter role in the weeks following the arrest of Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi in late April. At that time, the NSF’s headquarters were surrounded by police and bans on political activities were issued.

President Saied’s targeting of the opposition has proven effective thus far in silencing dissenting voices with little public backlash from the broader Tunisian populace.  Many continue to view his targeting of the opposition as valid and justified anti-corruption efforts that have been long overdue.

Meanwhile, the attention of the international community has shifted to Tunisia’s economic future and how this issue is inextricably intertwined with the irregular migration challenge in Europe. While the EU has promised to continue to challenge Tunisia, the public debate and policy discussions have centered on economic recovery as opposed to democratic backsliding, of which many international voices have accused President Saied.

In the short-term, the President’s consolidation of power and targeting of the political opposition do not appear to be stoking an upswell in popular dissent. Therefore, there may be a stabilizing effect from his consolidation of power on the Tunisian political system, even as concerns are raised about possible future implications for governance by the will of the people.

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