Tunisian Political Parties Face Diminishing Role

This apparent withdrawal from public life underscores the mounting challenges facing political organisations in maintaining their relevance as civic actors.

Party activity has markedly decreased across multiple channels, including public events, media presence and social media engagement.

In response to this decline, the Tunisia Imam Movement is set to hold its central council meeting later this week. The gathering will centre on the theme “After 6 October 2024, what policy?” – an attempt to address the future of both political and party activities in the country.

Meanwhile, several leftist organisations are endeavouring to overcome the current political stalemate through the “Forum of Democratic Forces,” a coalition that brings together various parties, associations and national organisations.

This initiative represents an effort to build unity among opposition forces at a time when traditional political discourse has diminished in public spaces.

The reduced visibility of political parties comes at a crucial moment as Parliament prepares to scrutinise the 2025 budget bill, a process already clouded by questions about transparency and implementation.

Tunisia, which sparked the Arab Spring protests in 2011, has experienced significant political changes in recent years.

The country’s democratic transition has faced numerous challenges, including economic difficulties and debates over the role of political parties in governance.