Spain called for calm and stability in Tunisia on Tuesday, two days after the Tunisian president ousted the government.
“Spain is following the latest developments in Tunisia with concern,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“We call for the regular functioning of institutions, with due respect for the rule of law, freedoms and political rights.”
The political crisis in Tunisia reached a breaking point on Sunday, when President Kais Saied dismissed the government of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, froze the parliament and assumed the executive authority with the assistance of a new prime minister.
Saied also suspended the immunity of all members of parliament and took control of the general prosecutor’s office.
Parliament Speaker and leader of Tunisia’s Ennahda movement Rached Ghannouchi described Saied's moves as nothing but a "full-fledged coup" against the Tunisian constitution, revolution and freedoms in the country.
On Tuesday, Ennahda denied reports about placing Ghannouchi under house arrest.
Tunisia has been gripped by a deep crisis since Jan. 16, when Mechichi announced a Cabinet reshuffle but Saied refused to hold a ceremony to swear in the new ministers.
The country is also dealing with one of the world’s worst COVID-19 outbreaks, which triggered violent protests on Sunday.
Less than two weeks ago, Spain sent an emergency shipment of antigen tests, masks, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators to Tunisia.
On Tuesday, Spain said it is “willing” to help with the country’s vaccination efforts going forward.
Tunisia is seen as the only country that succeeded in carrying out a democratic transition among a group of Arab countries that witnessed popular revolutions that toppled their ruling regimes, including Egypt, Libya and Yemen.
