Zied Ladhairi Says Tunisia’s Economic Success Critical to its Survival

Author: Guy Taylor

Publisher: The Washington Times

Date Published: 15 October 2017

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Article Summary

Tunisia overcame huge security odds to get their democracy, but now need serious economic growth to stay as the lone success story of the Arab Spring. The Tunisian government needs to show that having a democratic government leads to prosperity. Mr. Ladhari said the US might need to be reminded that they wanted Tunisia to succeed as a democracy in the Arab world. He says that US support is a key role in politics and economics. But a security vacuum in neighboring Libya might give Islamists a foothold, as Tunisia is the single-largest source of foreign fighters joining. The government of Tunisia blames the hopelessness of their young as the main reason for jihadists recruiters. The national unemployment is 15% or as high as 30% in some parts of the country. Tunisian government is focusing on agribusiness, like olive oil, dates, and other fruits. The Trump administration foreign cuts may affect the situation as the military budget will drop from $180 million to $55 million.

In the article, Zied Ladhairi says Tunisia’s economic success critical to its survival, the values are economics and political freedom. Mr. Ladhairi says that “main challenge now is the economy” and “that democracy leads to prosperity” (Taylor). This shows that he equates having a democracy with a prosperous nation. We can infer from this that, he thinks the economy will fix itself without human intervention or direction. Another value is that Tunisia have political freedom. One major problem is the “extent to which Islamic parties are seen to be wielding control” in the government and beyond. Mr. Ladhairi is a member of Ennahda. A conservative Islam party, which people are worried over. This shows that he values people working together between people from various backgrounds. He wants Tunisia to be equal to everyone, not just approved political parties.

Guiding Questions

What policies should the people of Tunisia now pursue?

What should have been or should be the role of the West in the Tunisian Revolution and its aftermath?

When stability and security run up against liberal democracy, which should prevail or be supported?