Research Library: Tunisia
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Last Updated May 29, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Tunisia is a republic with a president and a prime minister. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term with no term limitations. The president appoints the prime minister. The legislative branch comprises of the Chamber of Deputies with 189 seats elected by popular vote for a five-year term and the Chamber of Advisors with 126 seats. The president appoints 41 of the 126 members and government officials elect the other 85 members. All members serve a six-year term.
- President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali came to power in November 1987 and previously served as prime minister. The next presidential elections will be in October 2009. Mohamed Ghannouchi became Prime Minister in November 1999. The Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD)dominates Tunisia¿s government. They control 152 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 71 seats in the Chamber of Advisors.
Political Stability
- Tunisia experienced relative stability since gaining independence from France in 1956. Former President Habib Bourguiba promoted secular rule. Authorities ruled Bourguiba mentality unfit and deposed him in 1987. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali became president. The RCD was once the only legal party for 25 years. While opposition parties are now legal, the president runs virtually unopposed.
- Both domestic and international observers criticized the results of the past three election in which President Ben Ali won almost 100 percent of the vote. The government has low tolerance of opposition groups and criticism. Violence carried out by militant Islamists is minor although remains a governmental concern.
Current Government Policies
- The government continues to fight against Islamic extremists and limit violence. Tunisian women are among the freest women in the Muslim world. The government continues to promote women rights, legally requiring parents to send their daughters to school.
International Reputation
- President Ben Ali maintains a non-aligned stance however has good relationships with the West and participates in many African and Arab organizations. Tunisia is a leader in Arab-Israeli relations and was the first Arab country to host an Israeli delegation. Tunisia is the leading supporter of the development of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA).
Economics
- The Tunisian economy was once under strict state control although became liberalized with recent economic reforms. The economy suffered from a balance of payment crisis in the mid-eighties and was hurt by September 11th although has recovered. The economy consists mostly of agricultural, mining, tourism and manufacturing sectors.
- Tunisia suffers from high unemployment and will likely see problems as the demand for exports decreases due to the slowing economy. The government currently is working towards privatizing industries, improving efficiency and reducing socioeconomic disparities.
Foreign Aid
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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