Euroviews. Tunisia can still be a catalyst for global democratic reform

Tunisia, where I had the privilege to serve as the US ambassador during its revolution and the initial stages of its democratic transition, presents a unique opportunity for the United States and the European Union to demonstrate their commitment to democracy. 

Having championed the country's revolution and democratic transition, the US and the EU must now reaffirm their support for Tunisia's democratic path. 

When the European Commission offers funds to Tunisia as part of a migration and development deal it should ensure that this is not a short-term solution and doesn’t end up directly in the president’s hands, but that it is tied to conditions for a sustainable long term solution and rebuilding democracy in Tunisia.

Tunisia has an outsized importance in determining whether democracy will advance globally. 

This is the nation that gave birth to the Arab Spring by overthrowing Zine El Abidine Ben Ali after 23 years of increasingly despotic rule. 

Tunisians not only united to overthrow a dictator; they then came together to draft a constitution and to elect leaders who chose compromise over coercion. 

But don’t just take my word for it; I well remember the late Senator John McCain telling me, when he visited Tunisia shortly after the revolution that, “if it can’t succeed here, it can’t succeed anywhere.”

Democracy in Tunisia though has been in decline under President Kais Saied. His de facto dissolution of parliament in July 2021, abandonment of the constitution, and targeting of opposition leaders, media, and activists are clear signs that Tunisia is no longer a democracy.

However, as Tunisia goes for elections this year, the Biden administration should clearly express — in both its public statements and its private diplomatic