The Heart of Tunisia opposition party called for the formation of a government of national unity that includes the largest possible number of political parties.
The party is seeking to propose this "national salvation initiative" to overcome the political crisis sparked by demands for the ouster of Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh's government and the dissolution of parliament, and as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.
Head of the Heart of Tunisia parliamentary bloc, Osama al-Khulaifi, said the party had finalized the initiative, entitled “A National Pact to Salvage the Country from Poverty, Unemployment and Bankruptcy.”
Described it as "preemptive", he said it offers effective solutions to overcome the crises after the outbreak is over. He stressed that Heart of Tunisia consulted a number civil society and economic experts when drafting the initiative.
He noted that the political support surrounding the government is shaky and will confront many obstacles as soon as the national unity prompted by the pandemic is over.
The initiative is therefore, aimed at securing a "political and social truce" and reaching serious solutions to social and economic issues during the next five years, he explained.
Khulaifi criticized Fakhfakh for refusing to include the Heart of Tunisia in his government. This has ultimately affected political and parliamentary work, said the MP, noting that it was impossible to vote on and ratify laws without the party.
He called on the prime minister to support the national initiative, which establishes national political unity based on a socio-economic program.
Heart of Tunisia proposed its initiative as the public prosecution began looking into calls for the overthrow of the government and dissolution of parliament, which leftist parties are accused of supporting after their defeat in elections.
The leftist Popular Front coalition, led by Hama Hammami, denied the allegations.
Hammami stressed that the opposition has the right to criticize the government, calling authorities to respect the right for peaceful protest.
