President Kaïs Saïed received, Tuesday, at the Palace of Carthage, former prime ministers, with whom he discussed ways to get the country out of the political, economic and social crisis it is facing.
The causes that led to this crisis situation were also reviewed.
The meeting, which took place in the presence of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, was attended by three former premiers. They are Ali Larayedh, Youssef Chahed and Elyes Fakhfakh.
The President of the Republic said at the meeting he is “open to dialogue”, but refuses that this dialogue takes place “the way previous dialogues were held”, or that it would be a «vain attempt to confer false legitimacy to traitors and crooks.»
“The dialogue will only take place if real solutions are sought to the problems of Tunisians. “It will not take place the way previous dialogues were held,» he said in a video posted on the official page of the Presidency of the Republic.
The President of the Republic noted that the previous dialogue, considered “national”, can be called neither “dialogue” nor “national”. He regretted the actions of some “who claim to be patriots, having faith in the will of the people, and who secretly go abroad to find a way to remove the President of the Republic.
Kaïs Saïed insisted on the need to initiate political reforms, especially amid the paralysis of the State’s apparatuses and institutions, resulting from “the current political system and the mode of election”.
The president affirmed his commitment to defend the institutions of the state and protect them against “plots and schemes”, pending the establishment of a new political system.
The Presidency of the Republic will not be “a false witness, nor an ally for any party,” he said, recalling that he does not belong to any political party, alliance or coalition.
Participants in this meeting were unanimous in stressing the need to develop a new vision based on fundamental political reforms, including the revision of the electoral law and some provisions of the Constitution.
They also agreed to hold a new meeting as soon as possible to allow everyone to present their proposals. They have also decided on the possibility of extending it to other parties.
Former prime ministers Mehdi Jomaa and Hamadi Jebali were not able to attend the meeting as they are currently abroad, according to the Presidency of the Republic.
Former PM Habib Essid, could not attend either, because of his health, the same source added.

Source: TAP News Agency