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Kais Saied sworn in as president of Tunisia, vows to confront ‘traitors’

October 22, 2024 at 11:39 am

Tunisian President Kais Saied was sworn in for a second term during a ceremony at the Assembly of the Representatives of the People in Tunis, Tunisia, on October 21, 2024. [Yassine Gaidi – Anadolu Agency]

Tunisian President Kais Saied was sworn in yesterday for his second five-year term where he vowed to confront those he labelled as “traitors and agents,” asserting that they have no place in the country, Anadolu Agency reported.

After taking the oath, Saied said, “The Tunisian people freely expressed their will on 6 October,” adding that “the Tunisian people have chosen to continue the path of full national resistance and liberation.”

He emphasised that one of the biggest challenges facing his government will be creating new opportunities for the unemployed, particularly the youth.

Commenting on the state of freedoms in Tunisia, Saied stated: “Freedom is not about insults and slander, nor is it about violating rights and breaking the law.”

“What we cannot debate is the nation itself. There is no place for traitors and agents, and there is no room on our soil for those who align themselves with colonial powers.”

Saied secured 90.69 per cent of the vote earlier this month, while his opponent, Ayachi Zammel, received 7.35 per cent, and Zohair Maghzaoui, who supports Saied, received 1.97 per cent, according to the Electoral Commission.

Numerous opposition candidates were arrested or banned from running in the election.

READ: Why were the Tunisian and Algerian presidential elections so similar?