Tunisia headed towards instability, analysts warn

President’s latest move to extend power is a threat to democracy that’s likely to spur political unrest, observers say.

In the latest move tightening his grip on power, Tunisian President Kais Saied this week announced a string of measures that effectively allow him to rule by decree.

The former constitutional lawyer said the decrees, which were published in the official gazette on Wednesday, were aimed at averting a national emergency.

The provisions mean the continued suspension of the elected parliament’s powers and the suspension of all politicians’ immunity from prosecution – moves that were taken on July 25 when Saied sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority.