Question Period Note: Political Situation in Tunisia

On February 13, 2022, one week after the dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council, President Saied announced by decree its replacement by a provisional council under his authority.

• Canada is following with concern the developments in Tunisia, including the recent dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council by the President of the Republic of Tunisia, and its replacement by a provisional council under his authority.

• Canada reaffirms the importance of the separation of powers and judicial independence as key elements of democracy and stability.
• Canada is also troubled by the decision to extend the suspension of parliament until the early parliamentary elections are held in December 2022.
• Canada supports the will of the Tunisian people to preserve the country's democratic gains through an inclusive national dialogue that is respectful of the constitutional framework.
• Canada encourages the implementation of economic and social reforms based on inclusive consultations to stimulate the country's economy and address its fiscal and social challenges.

On February 5, 2022, Tunisian President Kais Saied announced his intention to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council (SCM), effectively removing the last element of separation of powers and control over the presidency after the freezing of parliament. This body is responsible for guaranteeing the functioning of the judiciary and the independence of the judicial authorities, and for filling most of the positions in the judicial system. On February 7, 2022, police closed the body's headquarters and prevented employees from entering. President Saied cited the "corruption and bias" of the CSM as the reason for his decision, and denounced its slowness and the obstacles in handling certain cases, including the political assassinations of Chokri Belaïd and Mohamed Brahmi. The announcement also came on the eve of the 9th anniversary of the death of Chokri Belaïd, assassinated on February 6, 2013 in Tunis. This decision is a continuation of the presidential announcements of December 13, 2021, where the president extended the suspension of parliament announced on July 25, 2021 until the holding of early parliamentary elections on December 17, 2022. He also announced the organization of popular consultations starting January 1, 2022, including constitutional and electoral amendments, which will be submitted to a referendum on July 25, 2022. At the same time, arrests and prosecutions of political figures have taken place, raising concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. The economic and fiscal situation continues to deteriorate and the need for reform is growing. Canada has expressed its concerns about the state of suspension of democratic institutions, notably in the framework of the Francophonie and through three statements by the ambassadors of the G7 countries and the European Union (EU) in Tunisia, issued on September 6, 2021, December 10, 2021 and February 8, 2022. After the announcement regarding the CSM, spokespersons for the US State Department, the EU and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed their concerns.

None