Tunisia draft constitution widens president’s powers

The Tunisian president has published details of a new constitution that would vastly expand his powers.

 

Kais Saied, who has ruled by decree since sacking the government a year ago, says the draft document published in the official gazette, will be put to a referendum next month.

 

Under the proposals – drawn up by a committee handpicked by Mr Saied – most political power would be exercised by the president.

 

He would have ultimate authority over the judiciary and army as well as the government.

 

Critics accuse Mr Saied of dragging the country back towards the autocratic form of government that was overthrown during the Arab Spring revolt of 2014.

 

Opposition political parties have rejected the referendum in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: BBC