May 17, 2021
On the occasion of Eid al Fitr, Tunisians were treated to conciliatory and less tense presidential gestures. Could this be a positive sign of rapprochement? Nothing is less obvious…
For once, Qaïes Saïed, Hichem Meshishi and Rashed Ghannoushi exchanged Eid greetings, leaving observers and regulars of the political landscape to be confused in analyzes which are meant to be positive but which still remain enigmatic.
According to MP Hafedh Zouari, vice-president of the Al Badil Ettounsi Party (the Tunisian Alternative), this is a positive sign that Tunisia needs today. In his opinion, the exchange of greetings between the President of the Republic, the President of the Parliament and the Head of Government is a positive message to the Tunisian people in these circumstances as it gives hope that the three presidencies will transcend their differences and unite their efforts for Tunisia.
Through his own view of things, Hafedh Zouari shows a blissful and disproportionate optimism that many others do not share.
An “American-style” Conciliation?
Other politicians have expressed their satisfaction though they see in it more than a simple shared desire for understanding and rapprochement.
For Mabrouk Korchid, the resigning deputy of Tahya Tounes party (Long Live Tunisia Party) and former Minister of State and Land Affairs, this political «hug» would not have taken place without the intervention of the United States. He considers that the telephone interview that Qaïes Saïed had with Kamala Harris, the American Vice-President, has borne fruit since Washington wants to re-establish communication between the three presidencies in Tunisia.
Can we, therefore, really believe in better cooperation and a probable honeymoon between Saïed, Meshishi and Ghannoushi?
On the side of Carthage, it is difficult to see the President of the Republic so easily renounce more extended prerogatives, he who considers himself, through his speeches loaded with Koranic references, preaching, and Arabic poetry, as the main captain of the “State”. He has always invested himself as a true conqueror, even if the manner leaves something to be desired, and a change of tone can only call everything into question.
In the other camp, is it really a hand reaching out to Qaïes Saïed and what will it cost?
Meshishi: Big Loser
In fact, Hesham Meshishi could pay a dear price for such a scenario, as he is the one who betrayed the confidence of his “boss” and who can only assert himself in his position with the support of Ennahdha (the Renaissance Party) and its allies. Because if the Islamists were to submit to the wishes of the Americans, they would surely make concessions that would comfort Saïed and put the current prime minister on the road.
And if Saïed just exchanged Eid greeting messages with Meshishi, the resumption of contact was more pronounced with the President of Parliament through a telephone discussion which, according to the official press release, focused on the situation in the country, but which could have touched on other more important and targeted subjects and files.
Moreover, Sheikh Rashed Ghannoushi was satisfied with the content of the speech of the President of the Republic on the occasion of Eid, especially since he was stingy, this time, in darts and coded messages.
The “Nahdhaoui” leader has even been more open to new options for his party, he who declared a few days ago to be ready to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sissi, which leaves a very important turnaround to be expected for a party resulting from the Ikhwans movement.
Beware of Euphoria!
In the current context, as the country is invaded by a third and virulent wave of Covid-19 and while the economic indicators all remain in the red with an unemployment rate which has further climbed and discussions that may take a long time with the IMF, a breeze of wisdom, patriotism and appeasement will be welcome for a people increasingly won over by discouragement and despair.
For the moment, Tunisians are holding their breath and crossing their fingers. To get out of the crisis, the country needs a revival based on a sacred union without detours or settling of scores while the political scene, polluted and poisoned, must be “disinfected”.
Will the famous rapprochement we are talking about be confirmed over the next few days?
We sincerely hope so, but caution must be exercised with politicians who are reluctant to sacrifice their narrow interests and respect the noble principles of power.
