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| Africa North |
| Security, jobs top Tunisian priorities |
| 2013-03-07 |
| [MAGHAREBIA] The talk on the Tunisian street is all about the new government, which by law must be announced by Saturday (March 9th). Despite their differences over politics, citizens agree that the incoming leaders must focus on security and jobs. "I expect the new government to restore national unity, open the door for dialogue and understanding between the different political factions, and to give priority to the language of consensus for the best interests of the country," day labourer Mohamed Ali Tabboubi said. Tunisians need to unite in the coming days and put national interests above anything else to help the country get out of its economic crisis and social tensions, he told Magharebia. "I hope that the new government will start by establishing security and dealing with the chaos that has worried citizens," retiree Zoubaida Hamrouni said. She added that the government needed to find a solution to curtail arms proliferation and put an end to violence and thefts that have spread in Tunisian cities so tourists and investors could return to the country. "Punishments must be toughened for all those who violate the law before violence, threats and use of arms turn into a habit and an acquired right for Tunisians," she told Magharebia. "There will be no development, tourism or economy without security," she added. Student Nouha Belghith concurred. "The biggest concern for us now is how to restore security and avert terrorist threats and violence which we now live from day to day," she said. She told Magharebia that establishing security was the key for getting out of the strangling economic and social crisis facing Tunisians and would guarantee the progress of the democratic transition in good political and social circumstances. Many challenges are awaiting the new Ali Larayedh government, the most important of which is security, given the tensions and continuous worries for their future that are now haunting Tunisians, journalist Mahmoud Hocheni. "It seems that restoring security will be a priority for Larayedh's government, and there are no other priorities preceding it," he said. Tunisians are also expecting that the new government start dealing with social conditions, especially unemployment among university graduates. |
| Posted by:Fred |