Tunisia’s anti-corruption drive could be divisive

Subject

Anti-corruption campaign.

Significance

Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed is pursuing a high-profile campaign against corruption, which has won him public support but also raised questions about his reliance on emergency powers. Anger over corruption has become widespread, and this campaign has improved Chahed’s standing at a time when his coalition government was criticised for ineffectiveness.

Impacts

• Despite fractures within the ruling coalition, the alliance between Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda is in both parties’ interests and will endure.
• The democratic transition is making progress, but the government has only piecemeal remedies to counter widespread socio-economic protests.
• Coming municipal elections could restore some of the influence of Islamist party Ennahda.