Summary:

In late December 2022, Ennahdha leader and former Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament Rached Ghannouchi was called for questioning in anti-terrorism court due to statements made about the Tunisian security forces in a eulogy for a late Ennahdha member. The date of the questioning was delayed until February 2023. This round of charges and examinations of Ghannouchi comes on the heels of several other recent court appearances by the long-standing leader of Tunisia’s Islamist party. He has been tied to other cases related to terrorist financing and the sending of foreign fighters abroad.

Outlook:  

Ghannouchi and Ennahdha more generally remain divisive in Tunisia, with many Tunisians blaming Ennahdha for the country’s struggles dating back to the post-revolution reshuffling of influence and power. Others view the party as a source of stability and consistency in an otherwise unpredictable political scene. Many commentators view Ghannouchi’s repeated trips to the courts for questioning as an attempt to distract from the country’s struggles and keep blame directed at Ennahdha. With political volatility on the rise, Ennahdha’s real power may be tested as Tunisians consider political alternatives more seriously.

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