Tunisian President Keith Said has unveiled a draft of a new constitution that would give him what some critics have called “royal powers”. It will be voted on in a referendum on July 25.
If passed, the president would gain ultimate power over the government and the judiciary, while the powers of parliament would be greatly diminished.
Tunisia is not alone in this regard – other countries have used its constitution to allow its leaders to stay in office and strengthen their powers.
So, what’s behind this move?
host: Hashem Ahbara
Guest:
Zaid Al-Ali – Constitutionalist and author of Arab Constitutionalism: The Coming Revolution
Alex Vines – Director of the Africa Program at Chatham House
Amine Snoussi – political analyst specializing in Tunisian and North African affairs