Kais Saied Tunisia: A Cool Breeze of Change in Arab Politics
The newly elected President of Tunisia, an independent leader, signifies a shift in Arab politics, particularly as an anti-Israel figure. His victory reflects the evolving landscape of Tunisian youth in politics following the 2019 elections.
The newly elected President of Tunisia, Dr. Kais Saied, is 61 years old. He is a retired professor of law. He participated in the presidential election as an independent candidate and stunned the world by securing 77% of the votes. He did not have the support of any political party.
The billionaire Nabil Karoui, who came in second place, lost despite pouring billions of rupees into his election campaign. Dr. Kais Saied ran his campaign with just a few thousand rupees and achieved success. The youth were at the forefront of his campaign and played a key role in securing his victory among the 25 presidential candidates.
Before the election, a TV interview was conducted in which he was asked some questions, which are as follows:
● Question: What is your opinion on restoring relations with this royal (likely referring to Israel)?
Answer: The very term “restoring relations” is wrong—the correct term is treason. Whoever maintains relations with them will be a traitor.
● Question: In our country, Tunisia, there is a Jewish synagogue called Al-Ghriba. Many Jews visit Tunisia to pay their respects there. What will be your policy regarding them?
Answer: We will protect the rights of Jews, but there will be no concessions for citizens of this royal (Israel).
● Question: So, they cannot come to Tunisia with an Israeli passport?
Answer: Absolutely not. No one with an Israeli passport can enter Tunisia.
● Question: (Surprised) So, no one from Israel can come to Tunisia?
Answer: Absolutely not—never. The country that expelled Muslims from their homeland and left them displaced—I will not allow them to enter my country.
● Question: There are five seconds left—do you have any special message?
Answer: I will only say this: Relations with this royal (Israel) are treason.
It is important to note that at this time, the entire Arab world is racing to establish relations with this royal (Israel), and taking such a stance is no small matter.
In the second round of the election, his main rival, Nabil Karoui, was arrested on corruption charges. Because of this, Kais Saied also suspended his campaign, saying, “If my opponent cannot campaign, then neither should I.”
However, a few days before the voting, when Nabil was released, the campaign resumed. The newly elected president’s wife is a judge. Immediately after taking the oath, the president granted his wife unpaid leave for five years to avoid any perception of bias in his decisions.
▪ In the past, Tunisia has had some unusual presidents. Former President Habib Bourguiba once announced the cancellation of fasting during summer.
▪ Another president amended Quranic inheritance laws, making the shares of men and women equal.
▪ Yet another president waged a war against beards and the hijab.
Now, the current president has declared that the commandments of the Quran are final and eternal, and no changes can be made to them.
In the Arab world, a ruler like this is a rare blessing. The president does not have his own political party, but a major Islamic party, Ennahda, has announced its support for him. This party won the most seats in the election and is expected to successfully form the government.
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