Rashid Ghannouchi to “Echorouk”: I appreciate Algeria's principled refusal to classify Brotherhood Movement as a terrorist group

Tunisia’s Ennahda party leader Rashid Ghannouchi, dwelt in an exclusive interview with “Echorouk Al Yaoumi” on the ins and outs of Tunisia’s recent electoral process, which culminated in the victory of veteran political figure Beji Caid Essebsi. He didn’t waver to call the latter as a revolutionary figure, while talking about the repercussions of his movement’s declared neutral stance in the recent run-off vote. Ghannouchi also gave his opinion about a number of renowned Algerian personalities such as President Bouteflika, late Nahnah, Ali Benhadj and others.

What is the reading you can make of Tunisia’s election results, amid perceptions that the outcome enabled the “counterrevolution” proponents and the old guard back onto the country’s political scene?

“Well, the Tunisians are very proud of their transition, which gained great achievements achieved in only one year, We’ve been blessed by a peaceful transfer of  power, as the country’s newly drafted Constitution received the endorsement of over 94 percent of the House members, and also paved the way for the enactment of important laws related to electoral administration Act, transitional justice and the Constitutional Court.

The three successful elections, have made the Tunisians but proud of themselves, thank God Almighty. The achievements garnered during this transition process were crowned with a telling success.

Due to the wide political spectrum and diverse opinions now on the country’s political scene, the Tunisian people expressed a clear will not to return to the old system through the successive voting operations”.

How far goes your trust in President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi? Don’t you fear a collision with him because of some diverging views and positions?

“I am not denying the existence of opposition to the Annahda movement since there is a consensus to engage in an inclusive national dialogue. The national dialogue process meant shifting from conflict to a genuine dialogue and reaching consensus with the leadership.

I have confidence in the Tunisian people, because the people will not allow a return to the old autocratic system. The Tunisian people voted for the new parties, and the Renaissance belongs to the revolution, Caid Essebsi himself led the first Government of the revolution and brought the country to their first free and fair elections, he also joined the “Jasmine revolution” which was sparked by firm advocates of freedom, justice and democracy”.

In what position is the Annahda movement poised now in Tunisia’s politics: Opposition or Participation?

“Well, as the Government isn’t yet formed, we can’t pinpoint and define our position as for now. The Annahda movement is not yet in the Government, we’ll have to wait for the formation of the new government born of the elections to declare publicly our position as to our future political orientations with regard to the leadership.

We used in the recent electoral campaign a logo bearing  support for a Government of national unity, we thought we’d be in first place in the interest of the country, because the situation is still fragile and the country needs a strong Government with a broad electoral base that is not only confined to the participation of the Nidaa Tunes party. Anyway, when time is ripe, we’ll shoulder all our responsibilities because this is in the interest of the entire country”.

On top of the Executive Branch, which political figure do you favour in view of Tunisia’s new political juncture?

“We are in favour of an independent personality; in a word, we are for a harmonious and balanced personality”.

What is your opinion on these Algerian names?

Late Chadli Benjedid?

God’s mercy on him, he was very meritorious because I entered Algeria and stayed with my family during his presidency of the country, I owe him a lot.

President Bouteflika?

A dear friend and I’m very proud of his friendship, and he had a great role in the positive renewal of Tunisia.

Late Cheikh Nahnah?

He’s very dear to me. He played a significant role in fostering peace and harmony in Algeria.

Do you see Abderrazak Makri able to govern?

This is a purely Algerian matter.

Ali Benhadj?

A sincere and wholehearted advocate of Islam

Abassi Madani?

A friend and a fervent advocate of Islam.