Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi today marked the 59th anniversary of the country’s independence by calling for “national reconciliation” among all Tunisians.
“We have to work towards all-inclusive national reconciliation,” Essebsi said, adding that “criminals” who had stolen or embezzled state funds should be tried in court.
“For reconciliation to happen, a law must be passed by parliament… Businessmen are ready [for reconciliation], but they’re afraid. But the politics of fear doesn’t work,” Essebsi said.
The Tunisian president urged local businessmen to invest in the country’s development, asserting: “Luring [foreign] investment will not happen so long as Tunisians themselves aren’t investing.”
“We must reform the [local] investment environment; this is what the world demands of us,” Essebsi added.
Today, Tunisia marks the 59th anniversary of its independence from France following a 75-year occupation.