Tunisia president denounces 2014 constitution as a 'Zionist plot'

Tunisian President Kais Saied has stirred controversy by claiming that the 2014 constitution, referred to by Tunisians as the “Revolution’s Constitution”, was a “Zionist plot” designed to destroy the country, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Monday, Saied expressed concerns about the previous constitution, suggesting that it had a detrimental impact on the state as part of a Zionist arrangement to destroy it from within. He emphasised the need to address internal threats to the state’s stability, calling for the swift prosecution of those who have committed crimes against it.

Former minister Rafik Abdel Salam criticised Saied’s statement, saying he believes that Saied is overly focused on retaining power and is apprehensive about facing elections. Abdel Salam also highlighted that after categorising individuals in Tunisia as traitors, conspirators and foreign agents, Saied now claims that the 2014 constitution, which the Constituent Assembly almost unanimously approved, is Zionist, while the 2022 constitution, which Saied personally drafted, revised and celebrated, is meant for true patriots.

In 2021, Saied announced exceptional measures, suspending the 2014 constitution before drafting a new one, which did not gain significant support from a large segment of Tunisians.

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