Saied accuses ‘remnants of colonialism’ of fuelling chaos, crises in Tunisia

Tunisian President Kais Saied has accused what he described as “remnants of colonialism” of spreading chaos and creating crises in the country.

Speaking during Tunisia’s National Tree Day celebrations, Saied said the outbreak of fires coinciding with disruptions to water supplies was “no coincidence”, adding that the judiciary would investigate the incidents and determine responsibility to ensure those behind them were held accountable, according to a statement from the Tunisian presidency.

He added that the continuation of these practices, accompanied by water shortages, fires and rising prices, reflects attempts by remnants of the former system to regain influence by various means.

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However, he said these attempts had been thwarted by the awareness of Tunisian men and women and their understanding of the sensitivity of the current period, adding that they had foiled the plans of the enemies of the people and the revolution.

Saied also claimed that “covert pressure groups”, which appear and disappear alongside what he called “remnants of colonialism”, are seeking to spread chaos and frustration by creating crises, disrupting services and assigning different roles to those involved.

He said these groups are ignoring the Tunisian people’s awareness and ability to confront such attempts, adding that the country’s people would not forget those who had harmed Tunisia, regardless of their attempts to portray themselves as victims or heroes when they are neither.

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