Grafiti in Tunis city centre
Back in April I visited Tunisia. It wasn’t long after the Revolution, which happened in January and kick-started the ‘Arab Spring’. The atmosphere was one of nervous anticipation.
The people I spoke to seemed glad to have got rid of Ben Ali, but they were apprehensive about the future. Many of those I spoke to, being engaged in the tourist industry, had already suffered a complete drop-off in their business due to the political situation. With the exception of a few French, there appeared to be hardly any other tourists in the country. Whilst this was good from a selfish point of view (getting whole Roman cities with just our small party there) it was becoming desperate for tour guides, drivers, hoteliers and the like. I know from emailing my guide that the situation has not improved and the tourists have continued to stay away.
When I asked about the political situation people were circumspect; it was clear that they simply did not know what to expect next. A dictator had gone and they did know who would step into the void. They hoped for the best, but past experience may have taught them to be wary.
Shortly after I came home, I saw a news report saying that not only would Tunisia be holding democratic elections, but that women would have 50% of the positions. Now I’m not a fan of quotas, but nevertheless the intention seemed promising.
A few days ago Tunisia, the country that started the Arab revolutions of 2011, held an election. I do hope that the people get the good government they deserve and that the friends I made there enjoy peace and an upturn in their tourist business. I worry, though, that this is a process that is only just beginning and we do not know yet whether free and open democracy, as we know it, has truly taken root.
I am a Conservative Councillor, representing Kentwood Ward in Reading. I am also currently Deputy Chairman of LGBTory.
