‘Early Elections’ Tops Consultations to Form New Tunisian Govt

Part of the Prime Minister-designate's meeting with former politicians and officials as part of his consultations to form the new Tunisian government (EPA)
Part of the Prime Minister-designate's meeting with former politicians and officials as part of his consultations to form the new Tunisian government (EPA)
TT
20

‘Early Elections’ Tops Consultations to Form New Tunisian Govt

Part of the Prime Minister-designate's meeting with former politicians and officials as part of his consultations to form the new Tunisian government (EPA)
Part of the Prime Minister-designate's meeting with former politicians and officials as part of his consultations to form the new Tunisian government (EPA)

Ennahda Movement’s Shura Council continues Sunday, for the second day in a row, its meetings in Hammamet city, northeastern Tunisia, to discuss scenarios for forming the next government.

Meanwhile, three premises have been suggested on members of the Council, which is the movement’s highest decision-making authority.

The first is joining a new government coalition that may bring it together with the Heart of Tunisia party, al-Karama Coalition, and the Future bloc or forming an opposition after calls by several political parties to exclude it from power.

The third, however, is preparing for early legislative elections if Prime Minister-designate Hichem Mechichi’s government fails to win the vote of confidence, approving to dissolve the parliament and heading to polls to create a parliamentary scene different from the current one.

Besides forming Mechichi’s government, the Shura has also been discussing several other issues. These include the current political crisis, tension prevailing in the parliament, as well as the Movement’s preparation for its next electoral conference, scheduled before the end of 2020.

Holding early elections seems to be the most probable option among political parties, indicated by statements issued by political figures that have been participating in consultations to form the new government.

Zuhair al-Maghzawi, head of People’s Movement’s party, which is part of the current government coalition, said his party prefers to head to the polls rather than joining a government that includes Ennahda.

“In case some parliamentary blocs and political parties do not give their confidence vote to Mechichi’s government, the ballot boxes will be the best solution,” he stressed.

Maghzawi further slammed Ennahda’s leaders, noting that they don’t want ruling partners but rather followers, adding that the movement wants to gain control over the state’s vital sectors and institutions, implement its project and empower its leaders.

Meanwhile, some observers considered the threat by some political parties to hold early parliamentary elections a mean used to improve the conditions for negotiations with the Premier-designate.

They said most parties are not currently ready for parliamentary elections that would reshape the whole current parliamentary scene.

In this regard, former leader in Nidaa Tounes party Ridha Belhaj said Ennahda is the only movement that was actually ready for any elections.

He criticized the parties that want to exclude Ennahda, stressing their complete inability to confront it with its current structures.

Belhaj also called for the formation of a large political party, similar to Nidaa Tounes, which defeated Ennahda in 2014 elections.

He pointed out that restoring balance to the political scene “is necessary,” adding that “confronting any political party is not done by cursing and raising slogans calling for excluding those who we disagree with.”



US Sends Beirut ‘Warning’ and ‘Incentive’ Over Hezbollah Arms

US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
TT
20

US Sends Beirut ‘Warning’ and ‘Incentive’ Over Hezbollah Arms

US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)

US special envoy Tom Barrack delivered a dual message of “incentive” and “warning” to the Lebanese capital this week, urging swift action on the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons.

“You have Israel on one side, you have Iran on the other, and now you have Syria manifesting itself so quickly that if Lebanon doesn’t move, it’s going to be Bilad Al Sham again,” he said, using the historical name for the Syria region.

The remarks sparked alarm within Lebanon’s political establishment, with some interpreting the comments as a blunt warning of “existential danger.”

Government sources told Asharq al-Awsat that Barrack, who also serves as Washington’s ambassador to Türkiye and was previously tasked with Syria policy, appears to be approaching the Lebanon and Syria files through a unified lens.

“Barrack believes that Lebanon should follow the same diplomatic path as Syria,” one official said, referring to Damascus' recent re-engagement with regional and international actors. “But he also understands Lebanon’s complex political terrain.”

Barrack’s comments about Lebanon potentially “returning to Bilad Al Sham” provoked criticism across the political spectrum, prompting him to clarify his position in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“My comments yesterday praised Syria’s impressive strides, not a threat to Lebanon,” wrote Barrack.

“I observed the reality that Syria is moving at light speed to seize the historic opportunity presented by President Donald Trump lifting of sanctions: investment from Türkiye and the Gulf, diplomatic outreach to neighboring countries, and a clear vision for the future,” he added.

He said Syria’s leadership is “seeking coexistence and shared prosperity with Lebanon based on sovereign equality,” and stressed that the United States supports a bilateral relationship that promotes “peace, prosperity, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

“I can assure that Syria’s leaders only want co-existence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon, and the United States is committed to supporting that relationship between two equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity,” said Barrack.

Barrack, in the context of disarming Hezbollah, had stated that a successful approach requires a combination of "carrots and sticks". This means using both positive incentives (carrots) and negative consequences (sticks) to achieve the desired outcome.

Barrack’s recent warning to Lebanon reflects the “stick” Washington is wielding, while his unprecedented acknowledgment of Hezbollah’s dual structure signals the “carrot” being offered.

“This is the first time a US official publicly distinguishes between Hezbollah’s political and military wings,” one source told Asharq al-Awsat.

“It’s a message of inducement aimed directly at Hezbollah, despite the fact that Washington has long treated both branches as inseparable and placed them under the same sanctions regime,” they explained.

In remarks to the press, Barrack reiterated the US designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, but added nuance rarely heard from senior American officials.