Tunisia ports authority calls on leadership 'to resume operations'

Tunisia’s Merchant Marine and Ports Authority (OMMP) yesterday called on President Kais Saied to allow recreational boats to sail and resume operations.

In an official statement, the OMMP highlighted what it described as “great competition among neighbouring countries,” noting that the local companies might incur “some losses, if they are not sufficiently supported.”

“The ports sector is crucial to the blue economy system and has a large operational capacity, but it is not exploited in an optimal way,” the statement read.

OMMP is affiliated to the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA).

On 25 July, Tunisian President Kais Saied cited Article 80 of the constitution to dismiss Prime Minister Hicham Mechichi, freeze the work of parliament for 30 days, lift the immunity of ministers, and appoint himself as head of the executive authority until the formation of a new government. He later suspended work at all state institutions.

READ: Tunisia: freedom of movement guaranteed, says president 

This comes after violent protests broke out in several Tunisian cities criticising the government’s handling of the economy and the coronavirus. Demonstrators had called for parliament to be dissolved.

The majority of the country’s political parties slammed the move as a “coup against the constitution” and the achievements of the 2011 revolution.