Pro toppled Ben Ali clan still running Tunisia, says opponent journalist Ben Brik

Tunisian opponent journalist Taoufik Ben Brik has reiterated his will to run for next Presidential Elections, saying in this interview with Echorouk that pro toppled president Ben Ali are still seizing power in Tunisia, and they are behind the campaign aiming at sowing fear among the people from the Islamist movement.

When asked about what’s happening today in Tunisia, Mr Ben Brik said: “Well, people who stood against the revolution still exist today and stuck in power, although they don’t represent the Tunisian people at all!”

He further added: “I’ve been presenting “symbolically” my candidacy against toppled president Ben Ali since 2000, and I’m keeping fighting the “benalis”, because people have started fearing again, as pro-Ben Ali are still here with their police regime!”  

As for the emerging voices threatening from the Islamists in Tunisia, in the image of Ennahda party, the journalist said: “Well, these allegations are being circulated to make us fear of Islamist movement; and Ennahda has got its chances in the upcoming elections, like the other parties existing in the scene, and Tunisians will give their voice to the party they see themselves in.”  

Concerning the impact of the Tunisian Revolution on the region, Benbrik said: “if not the Tunisian Revolution, there would be no revolutions elsewhere,” adding: “This revolution will shake the northern side of the Mediterranean, in France against Sarkozy and in Italy against Berlusconi.” He said “the Democracy in the West died in 1954 because it was born closed down on itself and didn’t hear the voice of the people,” adding: “The Tunisian Revolution opened up a new age of freedom and dignity.”  

Finally, he said once elected as President of Tunisia, “I would resign a week after taking office, just like the emblematic figure of the Mexican revolution Emeliano ZaPata did. I’m not running for Presidency because I love politics or so; but because I want to do it in spite of those who think they are the worthiest to remain in power; I’ll be a candidate in the heart of all Tunisians!”