Politics of Tunisia

The political system in Tunisia is also since the " Jasmine Revolution " called revolution in Tunisia 2010/2011, which, inter alia, the flight of former President led, in transition with an uncertain outcome.

Due to these developments, the following text is already historic. For details on the current development see revolution in Tunisia 2010/2011.

Until the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia 's political system was characterized by the dictatorial style of leadership from 1987 to 2011, reigning President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

According to the Constitution of 1959, which was several times, most recently in 2002, as amended, Tunisia is a presidential republic.

Political development

1957 Parliament declared Tunisia a republic and elected Habib Bourguiba as president; In 1975 he was confirmed for life. 1964 Destour Party and Neo - Destour party were re-organized in the Socialist Unity Party Destur party. The cautious domestic political liberalization in 1980 led to the admission of other political groupings. In 1984, however, came to the bread riots. 1987 Bourguiba was overthrown by Prime Minister Ben Ali, who took over the office of president. Ben Ali was 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009, confirmed by elections. Although a 1988 law passed the Political Parties Act institutionalized the multi-party system, but is rejected because of the uncommitted priority for the ruling party, Rassemblement constitutionnel démocratique and the restrictive provisions of the opposition, which is represented in Parliament only since 1994.

Contrary to the announcement of President Ben Ali to initiate democratic reforms in 1997, it came to the intensified persecution and obstruction of opposition forces.

The Chamber of Deputies of Tunisia adopted in January 2014 a new constitution by a large majority. Among other things, freedom of conscience, the equality of man and woman and a parliamentary democracy enshrined in the Constitution.

Executive

Head of state, supreme commander of the armed forces and chief owner of the executive branch is the President directly elected for 5 years.

The President appoints and dismisses the government under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister and has a veto.

The recent constitutional revision, the previous limitation of the term of office of the President with a maximum of three election periods was lifted.

Legislature

The Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies ( Chambre des députés ), which has 182 deputies and is also directly elected for 5 years.

Advisory - - In 2002, the creation of a second chamber of parliament sent by constitutional amendment approved.

Judiciary

The Tunisian legal system is based on French civil law and Islamic law; some justice in the Cour Suprême tests act, the Supreme Court in joint sessions. The judiciary is formally independent, although the Council of Justice is headed by the head of state.