Saied slams European Parliament rights resolution on Tunisia

TUNIS - Tunisian President Kais Saied condemned Friday a recent resolution passed by the European Parliament regarding human rights in Tunisia.

The resolution, voted by an overwhelming majority on Thursday, called for the release of his critics and opposition figures, which Saied described as "blatant interference" in Tunisia’s internal affairs.

 This critique is part of a broader tension between the Tunisian government and European institutions over the country’s handling of political dissent and human rights issues.

"The European Parliament (resolution) is a blatant interference in our affairs. They can learn lessons from us on rights and freedoms," Saied said in a video statement.

Saied’s administration has faced increasing scrutiny for its authoritarian measures, which include arrests and detention of opposition politicians, judges, and civil society activists. The European Parliament’s resolution reflects concern over Tunisia’s democratic backsliding since Saied assumed near-absolute power in 2021 by dissolving parliament and suspending key institutions.

The Tunisian presidency views the European Parliament’s resolution as a violation of national sovereignty and has repeatedly emphasized the importance of respecting Tunisia’s internal processes while maintaining dialogue through official diplomatic channels.

This conflict fits into a larger geopolitical context where Tunisia’s domestic policies continue to impact its international relations, particularly with the European Union, which remains a major economic and political partner.