In a recent address, President Kaïs Saied underscored Tunisia’s commitment to preserving its national unity, emphasizing that the inclusion of Article 4 in the Constitution—stating that Tunisia is a unified state and prohibiting any laws that could compromise this unity—was a deliberate decision.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for new governors, Saied reflected on the historical evolution of Tunisia’s administrative structure. He noted that when the office of governor was first established, Tunisia was divided into 14 regions. Over time, this structure was expanded to include 24 regions, a change that Saied highlighted as significant in the context of Tunisia’s administrative development.
Saied referenced a key decree from June 21, 1956, which marked a significant shift in the titles of officials. This decree replaced the terms “workers,” “kahias,” and “sheikhs” with “governors,” “chief delegates,” “delegates,” and “omdas,” signifying a modernization of the administrative framework to better align with contemporary governance needs.
The president addressed the broader implications of legislative changes over the years, recognizing that while many laws were essential and adapted to Tunisia’s evolving circumstances, others may have had ulterior motives. He expressed concern about potential threats to Tunisia’s unity, specifically citing plans to create new administrative entities that could undermine the state’s cohesion under the pretext of promoting local self-governance.
Saied cautioned that these new entities, while appearing beneficial on the surface, could ultimately threaten the integrity of the state. He illustrated this point with an anecdote about an individual who built a stone barrier to restrict access, purportedly for local governance purposes, but in reality, aimed to enforce local control in a manner that could disrupt national unity.
In a recent address, President Kaïs Saied highlighted concerns about officials who have acted as though they are not bound by the framework of Tunisia’s unified state, underscoring that such actions pose a serious threat to national integrity. Saied’s comments reflect a broader concern about maintaining the coherence and stability of the state.
He emphasized that it is crucial for governors to actively engage with citizens and address their issues effectively. Saied criticized the reliance on pre-prepared responses, which he believes only maintain the status quo and fail to address real problems. His call for proactive engagement suggests a push for more responsive and dynamic governance.
Saied reinforced the principle of strict neutrality in public service management, asserting that civil servants must focus solely on serving the Tunisian state. He made it clear that the state represents all citizens equally, stating that “the state belongs to all Tunisians, regardless of gender.” This underscores his commitment to impartiality and equal representation in public service.
The President also stressed the need for civil servants to uphold the dignity of their positions both professionally and personally. He emphasized that they should respect and support the authority of the state and set a positive example both within and outside their official roles.
Saied called for enhanced cooperation among local and regional officials under the leadership of the Governor. He denounced recent incidents of disunity, which he described as unacceptable, and warned that any future actions or statements that threaten the unity or cohesion of the state would not be tolerated.
Furthermore, Saied condemned the behavior of officials who publicly criticize their peers or leak confidential information. He stressed that such conduct undermines the integrity of the state and would not be tolerated, applying this principle to all state officials, not just those at local or regional levels.