Tunisian parliament plans to continue sessions despite dissolution

dap Tunis Tunisian lawmakers plan to continue holding sessions online despite the president’s decision to dissolve the legislature, Parliament Speaker Rach...

dapTunisTunisian lawmakers plan to continue holding sessions online despite the president’s decision to dissolve the legislature, Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi told dpa.President Kais Saied ordered the dissolution of parliament last week, eight months after his decision to suspend it. His announcement came hours after lawmakers held a meeting and voted to revoke the president’s exceptional measures.Ghannouchi is the head of Tunisia’s largest political party, the Ennahda Movement, which is Saied’s main opponent.Saied described the parliament meeting as a “failed coup attempt” and a “conspiracy against the security of the state.” Several lawmakers, including Ghannouchi, were summoned for questioning by anti-terrorism police.All the accusations were political and were intended to harm the Ennahda Movement, he said. “They are trying to use treason, terrorism and money laundering, all of which are malicious accusations.” Ghannouchi said he and other lawmakers refused to answer any questions during investigations since they enjoy immunity as lawmakers. However, that immunity was lifted by Saied in 2021.Last year, Saied suspended parliament and sacked the sitting prime minister; expanded his legislative and executive powers; and suspended some parts of the country’s constitution.His measures have divided the country, and both his supporters and opponents have staged protests. Observers fear that Tunisia’s stability could be threatened if society becomes polarised along the issue.