Fending off 'coup' claims, Tunisian president announces anti-corruption drive
Tunisian President Kais Saied has overwhelming public support after ousting the government, but critics warn against a return to authoritarianism.
TUNIS - Tunisian President Kais Saied has pledged he will not become a dictator as he shores up support after ousting the government and takes aim at "corrupt" politicians.
"I know the constitutional texts very well, respect them and taught them and after all this time I will not turn into a dictator as some have said," Saied stated.
On July 25, the 63-year old former law professor fired the premier, suspended the legislature for 30 days and stripped parliamentarians of their immunity, in a move slammed by his rivals as a "coup" and denounced by many legal experts as unconstitutional.
The president later moved to dismiss other top officials, including the acting justice minister and military prosecutor, while assuming executive and judicial powers. On July 29, Saied tapped Ridha Garsalaoui, a former national security adviser, as interim interior minister, but he has yet to name a new prime minister or fill other high-level positions.
