Tunisia Reaffirms Commitment to Sovereignty and National Independence
The President of the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD), Imed Derbali, reaffirmed on Friday Tunisia's unwavering commitment to its sovereignty and independence in national decision-making, describing this prerogative as an "untouchable and non-negotiable achievement". "Tunisia has chosen the path of sovereignty and will not deviate from it under any circumstances," he emphasized during the resumption of the joint plenary session dedicated to examining the 2026 budget bill. Derbali stressed that any attempt to question Tunisia's national course or challenge its affirmed choice of freedom and dignity will inevitably backfire against its instigators. "These maneuvers are futile in the face of the will of a free people and carry no weight before History, which remembers the crimes against humanity committed by their authors," he added. He recalled that the course initiated on July 25, marked by rectification, accountability, and the reconquest of national power, will not allow the expansion of external interference, the influence of powerful lobbies, or the perpetuation of an economic rent system that has weakened the country and exacerbated inequalities. The President of the Council emphasized that the success of this course depends on a healthy institutional climate, based on mutual respect and free from any conflict or tension that could hinder legislative work or damage its image and role. He noted that the session addresses issues that directly affect citizens' daily lives and living conditions, which increases the responsibility of legislators.
Recent Developments
On November 25, President Kais Saïed sent a strong warning to the European Union's representative in Tunisia, Giuseppe Perrone, for "failing to comply with the norms governing diplomatic practice" and conduct "outside the official frameworks recognized by diplomatic customs" in the exercise of his functions as accredited representative of the EU to the Tunisian state and its institutions. Additionally, the Head of State instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to deliver a firm warning to the Dutch Ambassador to Tunisia, Josephine Frantzen, due to her "non-compliance with the rules governing diplomatic practice", urging her to strictly observe diplomatic customs and refrain from any interference in the country's internal affairs. Saïed also stated that he is fully informed of the dates and agenda of the European Parliament meeting (in reference to the intervention on the Sonia Dahmani case), which he described as a blatant interference in Tunisia's internal affairs, affirming that "they must abandon this obstinate illusion that they alone hold the monopoly on teaching and lessons".
