Hopes for democratic change in Tunisia

“Norway supports the Tunisian people in their aspirations for a democratic Tunisia in which political and social rights are safeguarded,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali left Tunisia on 14 January. Increasing numbers of people had joined the protests in the days before his departure, despite the fact that many demonstrators had been brutally shot and killed. 

“Events have unfolded very quickly in the past few days, and the situation in the country is still tense and unresolved. But I am pleased to note that the interim government has announced that elections will be held soon,” said Mr Støre. 

“The upheaval in Tunisia underscores that economic and political reforms must go hand in hand, and that fundamental human rights must be respected. It is now crucial that everyone joins forces to ensure a peaceful transition to lasting democratic rule in Tunisia,” said the Foreign Minister. 

“At the same time, the events in Tunisia demonstrate the challenges faced by many authoritarian regimes in that part of the world. Authoritarian rule and the absence of democratic legitimacy make it more difficult to deal with economic and social challenges,” said Foreign Minister Støre.