Tunisian President Kais Saied is said to be considering the revival of the country’s Information Ministry as part of his efforts to overhaul the governance model that has been in place since the 2011 revolution. The potential move has raised concerns over the country’s press freedom, which has been a major issue in Tunisia, especially since the rise of social media.
According to reports, the Information Ministry was abolished in 2011 as part of a broader reform plan aimed at dismantling the state apparatus that had been under the control of former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. However, Saied believes that the lack of a centralized government communication system has led to misinformation, disinformation, and chaos in the media landscape.
The potential move has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that the revival of the Information Ministry could lead to censorship and a restriction of press freedom in the country. Others point out that the media landscape in Tunisia is already plagued with problems and that a centralized system could lead to better regulation and a more professional media.
Saied’s move to overhaul Tunisia’s governance model comes amidst growing frustration from the Tunisian population over the lack of progress made since the 2011 revolution. The country has been struggling with high unemployment, a struggling economy, and a political crisis that has left the government paralyzed for months.
Saied, who was elected as president in a landslide victory in 2019, has been pushing for a complete restructuring of the government and the political system. He has argued that the current system is too bureaucratic and inefficient and has proposed a more decentralized approach to governance.
Critics, however, argue that Saied’s plans could lead to a consolidation of power and a potential return to authoritarianism in Tunisia. The potential revival of the Information Ministry is seen as a major test of Saied’s commitment to press freedom and his willingness to work with journalists and media outlets in the country.
It remains to be seen whether Saied will move forward with his plans to revive the Information Ministry. The potential move is sure to spark further debate and controversy in Tunisia, as the country grapples with a range of challenges and uncertainties in the years ahead.
