Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2014

L’exception tunisienne : succès et limites du consensus

June 2014

International Crisis Group

Abstract

In its latest briefing, The Tunisian Exception: Limits and Success of Consensus, the International Crisis Group examines Tunisia's way out of the political crisis that paralysed it for much of 2013 and outlines measures to preserve a still fragile consensus. In January, after months of heightened tension, political forces agreed on a technocratic caretaker government and a new constitution. But these gains could be squandered unless all parties ensure that any new government - most immediately, that resulting from legislative and presidential elections later this year - operate on the basis of national consensus and cross-partisan support. This is particularly the case as the regional environment, characterised by continuing polarisation and violence in Egypt and Libya, makes Tunisia's transition all the more difficult.