Tunisia: Tunisia marks today the 68th observance of the proclamation of the Republic, following the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republican system by the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, on July 25, 1957, nearly a year and a half after independence, the Assembly abolished the centuries-old Husseinite monarchy, which had lasted 252 years, and adopted the republican system. Habib Bourguiba was entrusted with the duties of Head of State. The idea of changing the system of governance began to take shape following the first sessions of the National Constituent Assembly, established by decree on December 29, 1955.
Several legal texts were issued to regulate the exercise of power and gradually curtail the influence of the Bey and the privileges of the royal family. An important decree, dated August 3, 1956, transferred regulatory authority from the Bey to the Grand Vizier, empowering the latter to issue regulatory and ordinary decrees. Privileges, exemptions, and immunities previously enjoyed by members of the Husseinite family were abolished.
The Bey's personal assets and property assigned to the Crown were placed under the management of an appointed administrator chosen from among government officials. On January 9, 1957, a draft constitution for the kingdom was created, stating that "the Tunisian State is a constitutional monarchy." However, this draft was never enacted, and on July 25, 1957, the Constituent Assembly decided to abolish the monarchy and proclaim the Republic.
The proclamation outlined four main points: complete abolition of the monarchy, the declaration of Tunisia as a Republic, the appointment of Prime Minister Habib Bourguiba as Head of State until the new Constitution came into force, and the entrustment of the government with implementing the decision and necessary measures. In 1959, constitutional amendments affirmed the sovereignty of the people and guaranteed citizens' rights, promoting equality and economic development.
Since July 25, 1957, Tunisia has experienced significant historical events coinciding with this date. On July 25, 1988, a constitutional amendment limited presidential terms to a maximum of three, though this was later reversed in 2002. In 2013, the date was marked by the assassination of Mohamed Brahmi, triggering mass protests and a political crisis.
On July 25, 2019, former President Beji Caid Essebsi passed away, leading to early presidential elections in which current President Kais Saied was elected. On July 25, 2021, President Saied announced 'exceptional measures,' dismissing then Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspending Parliament, citing an imminent danger to national security.
A year later, on July 25, 2022, a national referendum on a new constitution expanded presidential powers. Today, public opinion remains divided on these actions. Some view them as necessary steps to correct the course of the 2010 Revolution, while others believe the reforms require a long process and considerable effort to achieve.