Tunisia, once hailed as the sole success story of the Arab Spring, is at a critical crossroads. The democratic dream that bloomed in 2011 is now withering under the rule of President Kais Saied. His power grab in July 2021—dissolving parliament, consolidating all power, and ruling by decree—has transformed a budding democracy into an autocracy.
What was once seen as the region’s only model of democratic transition has become yet another cautionary tale of authoritarian relapse. Washington’s response has been slow, but a clear, bipartisan consensus is now emerging: the United States cannot stand by as a strategic ally slides deeper into dictatorship.
A country without political checks and balances, where dissent is suppressed and opposition is criminalized, is not a stable partner.
This moment is not about interfering in a nation’s internal affairs; it is about upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law that are the bedrock of U.S. foreign policy. It is also about safeguarding American interests. For over a decade, the United States has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Tunisia, viewing it as a key partner in counterterrorism efforts and a rare island of stability in a volatile region.
That investment—both financial and strategic—is now at risk. A country without political checks and balances, where dissent is suppressed and opposition is criminalized, is not a stable partner. It is a ticking time bomb that could produce greater instability and insecurity, not only for Tunisians but for the broader Mediterranean and North Africa.
President Saied’s rhetoric of “national sovereignty” against “foreign interference” is a cynical ploy to deflect from his own failings. It is the same tired argument used by authoritarians worldwide—from Moscow to Caracas—to silence critics and justify undemocratic actions. True sovereignty does not come from the iron fist of a single ruler; it comes from the collective will of a free and empowered people. The Tunisian people, who sacrificed so much for their revolution, deserve the right to hold their leaders accountable, to speak their minds without fear, and to live under a constitution that protects their rights—not one designed merely to expand their president’s power.
The erosion of democratic institutions in Tunisia has already had tangible consequences. Independent media outlets face mounting pressure, opposition politicians are arrested under vague charges, and civil society organizations that once flourished are now harassed and restricted. This dismantling of democracy is not an abstract concern. It directly undermines the freedoms Tunisians fought for in 2011 and threatens to undo more than a decade of American and European support for democratic reforms. If Washington fails to act, it risks being complicit in the slow death of Tunisia’s revolution.
A free and open Tunisia would serve as a model for the region at a time when authoritarianism is resurgent, from Egypt to Algeria.
This is why recent legislative efforts in the U.S. Congress, such as the Safeguarding Tunisian Democracy Act and the new S.Res. 310 resolution, are so vital. These bipartisan initiatives signal that American leaders, from both sides of the aisle, are united in their concern for Tunisia’s future. By tying U.S. aid to clear democratic benchmarks—such as restoring a functioning parliament, ensuring an independent judiciary, and respecting fundamental freedoms—Washington is sending an unmistakable message: the relationship between our two nations is built on shared values, not on blank checks.
Critics who argue this is a Western “imposition” or hypocritical, given other global conflicts, miss the point. The American commitment to democracy has never been perfect, but it remains a cornerstone of U.S. identity and foreign policy. Diplomatic tools, including foreign aid, are not charity; they are investments in shared stability and values. Conditioning aid on democratic reform is not an intrusion but a reflection of how partnerships must work: mutual respect, accountability, and trust. The United States has both a moral and strategic obligation to support the Tunisian people’s struggle for a democratic future.
The stakes go far beyond Tunisia’s borders. A free and open Tunisia would serve as a model for the region at a time when authoritarianism is resurgent, from Egypt to Algeria. Conversely, a Tunisia that collapses into repression and economic crisis could easily become a breeding ground for extremism, illegal migration, and instability that would directly threaten both Europe and the United States. Simply put, democracy in Tunisia is not just about ideals—it is about hard national security interests.
Published originally on September 8, 2025, under the title “Why U.S. Must Stand with the Tunisian People, Not Its President.”
