President’s son dismissed from Tunisia’s ruling party

Tunisia’s ruling Nidaa Tounes party has dismissed the son of President Beji Caid Essebsi for “usurping the status” of its legal representatives, the Executive Committee has announced. Hafedh Caid Essebsi’s removal was motivated by a party decision to restore itself through peaceful movements.

Essebsi junior was elected last year at the helm of the party in a controversial congress. Critics accused his father the president of nepotism and trying to create a family dynasty within Nidaa Tounes.

The committee’s statement claimed that Hafedh Caid Essebsi had been committing serious infringements and was representing the party illegally. In doing so, it claimed, he was not only damaging the party’s structures but also the interests of the country. Furthermore, the committee said, he has suppressed activists by using state apparatus.

Nidaa Tounes refuted claims that it will be seeking a coalition with other political parties in the upcoming municipal elections. Hafedh Caid Essebsi, who held the position of Executive Director of the party, warned previously that the municipal elections will reveal the full weight of the party following its loss of a parliamentary majority following the resignation of several of its deputies. Local coordinators of Nidaa Tounes will select candidates who will be running in the municipal elections under the banner of “one political party”.

Tunisia’s political transition since the ousting of former President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali has been met with many problems. A number of prime ministers have failed to fulfil the aspirations of the population due to the country’s economic difficulties. Security threats posed by terrorist groups have also stifled the public’s belief in the government’s efforts in tackling terrorism and maintaining security across the country.