Tunisian Labor Union slams president's measures

TUNIS, Tunisia

The Tunisian General Labor Union on Friday warned of the dangers of pooling powers in the hands of President Kais Saied.

The union said in a statement that amending the constitution is a matter for all components of the society and the president's monopoly on the amendment is unacceptable and a threat to democracy.

It reiterated its demand for accelerating the formation of a government "with full competency" and capable of confronting the complexities of the current situation in the country as well as implementing agreements and pledges of the state.

On July 25, Saied ousted the government, suspended parliament, and assumed executive authority. While he insists that his exceptional measures are meant to "save" the country, his critics accuse him of orchestrating a coup.

Tunisia has been seen as the only country that succeeded in carrying out a democratic transition among Arab countries which witnessed popular revolutions toppling ruling regimes, including Egypt, Libya, and Yemen.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat