Tunisian president's death leaves conflicted legacy, unclear future
The ultimate measure of late President Beji Caid Essebsi's rule may be the seamless transfer of power to a new Tunisian president.
Beji Caid Essebsi, the first democratically elected president of Tunisia, died today aged 92. The president of the parliament, Mohamed Ennaceur, 85, has replaced him in an interim capacity, in line with the constitution.
That Essebsi was in poor health was well known. Rarely appearing in public after being hospitalized in late June, a video posted July 22 by his office showing a clearly frail Essebsi meeting with the defense minister did little to reassure observers concerned for the country’s future. Rumors of Essebsi's failing health had previously reached fever pitch following his second hospitalization during suicide bombings in Tunis on June 27, when reports of his death began circulating widely on social media. Now, with Essebsi's passing confirmed, it can be said that he leaves behind a conflicted legacy.
On the one hand, Essebsi will be remembered for safeguarding the country’s democratic institutions through economic difficulties and several terror attacks as well as being a tireless champion of women’s rights. Aspects that stand to be remembered less fondly, however, include his repeated and ultimately successful attempts to pass legislation providing de facto amnesty to former regime figures and his deliberate sidelining of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
To many, Essebsi’s retreat from frontline politics had started long before his recent health concerns. With him assuming the presidency at the age of 88, many questioned the likelihood of him even seeing out his first term. Moreover, as the party he founded, Nidaa Tounes, splintered and ultimately collapsed, Essebsi became embroiled in a long-running series of political battles with his own prime minister, Youssef Chahed, and Rachid Ghannouchi, leader of the moderate Islamist Ennahda.
