Tunisia: a defector from Nidaa Tounes launches own political party

Tunisia

The former Secretary General of Nidaa Tounes, the ruling party in Tunisia, has launched his own political movement.

The party was launched during the Consultative Congress held this Saturday in Tunis.

The Secretary General, Moshen marzouk recalled that Tounes Movement Project is based on modernist thought of the first President Habib Bourguiba.

“The fight against corruption, extends throughout the country. Corruption has become a big problem in the country. It is affecting the institutions of the State and the economy. It is essential to stop it,” he said.

The new party also opposes the moderate Islamist Ennahda, which became the largest group in the parliament after 22 lawmakers quit Nidaa Tounes in January.

Nidaa Tounes had already been weakened by the departure of Essebsi, in line with the constitution, after he was elected president in December 2014.

The party was created in 2012 and included political personalities from the left and centre right, as well as former officials of the regime of ousted strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.