As Tunisia heads into a pivotal presidential election on October 6, 2024, the political landscape is heating up with candidates vying for leadership in a time of economic and political uncertainty. Among them is Zouhair Maghzaoui, a seasoned Tunisian lawmaker and former leader of the People’s Movement, who has emerged as a formidable candidate. With a platform focused on expanding Tunisia’s global relations, especially with emerging powers like Russia, China, and Brazil, Maghzaoui’s foreign policy vision could represent a significant shift in Tunisia’s traditional alliances.
At 59 years old, Maghzaoui brings both experience and a bold agenda to the table. He has served in the Tunisian parliament since 2014 and led the People’s Movement, a leftist political party, from 2013 until August 2024. His political journey began in grassroots activism, as a former math teacher turned labor union advocate. His background, coupled with a clear focus on economic recovery and geopolitical realignment, makes him a compelling challenger to incumbent President Kais Saied and businessman Ayachi Zammel.
A Vision for Expanding Tunisia’s Global Relations
Maghzaoui’s foreign policy agenda marks a significant departure from Tunisia’s traditionally Europe-centric diplomatic strategy. During a recent interview with Sputnik, he criticized Tunisia’s historic dependence on Europe, particularly the European Union (EU), as a limiting factor in the country’s economic growth and diplomatic autonomy.
“The Tunisian foreign policy has long been hostage to ties with its traditional partners, mainly the European Union. These relations are rooted in the [European] hegemony, and this needs change … We believe that the world has become a bigger place, and we should expand relations and become more open to rising global powers, such as Russia, China, Brazil, BRICS, and other organizations, which can help the Tunisian economy recover,” Maghzaoui stated.
His remarks underscore his belief that Tunisia’s future lies in diversifying its diplomatic and economic relationships, particularly with emerging global powers. By aligning with the BRICS bloc — which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — Maghzaoui hopes to open new economic opportunities for Tunisia, especially in industries like trade, technology, and energy.
The Call to Rebuild Tunisia’s Economy
Maghzaoui’s platform is heavily focused on economic recovery, a pressing concern for many Tunisians. The country has faced years of financial instability, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest. With unemployment rates stubbornly high and public debt climbing, Tunisia’s next president will need to address the economic challenges head-on.
For Maghzaoui, part of the solution lies in leveraging foreign relations to revitalize the economy. In his view, Tunisia’s over-reliance on the European Union has limited its growth prospects. He argues that forging closer ties with non-Western powers such as Russia, China, and Brazil could provide Tunisia with new investment opportunities, technology transfers, and access to emerging markets.
He also mentioned that Tunisia’s current international agreements, particularly with European nations like Italy and France, have often disadvantaged the country. Maghzaoui specifically pointed to the migration agreement with Italy and the green hydrogen production deal with France as examples of imbalanced partnerships that need to be revisited.
“We will make it our priority to expand Tunisia’s foreign contacts as well as to review the existing international relations, which we consider unfair … for example, the migration agreement with Italy or the agreement on ‘green hydrogen’ production with France,” Maghzaoui said.
Strengthening Relations with Africa and the Arab World
Maghzaoui’s diplomatic vision extends beyond the BRICS nations. He has also expressed concern over Tunisia’s limited engagement with its African neighbors. Despite being part of the African continent, Tunisia has embassies in only six African countries and lacks direct air links to many more.
As part of his foreign policy agenda, Maghzaoui pledged to activate and strengthen ties with African and Arab countries, regions he believes Tunisia has neglected in favor of European partnerships. He views stronger African ties as essential to Tunisia’s economic recovery, citing untapped trade and investment opportunities across the continent.
In particular, he highlighted the need for Tunisia to improve its infrastructure to facilitate greater inter-African trade. Increased diplomatic engagement with African nations would not only bolster trade but also foster stronger political alliances in the region, allowing Tunisia to play a more active role in African Union initiatives.
Domestic and International Challenges Ahead
Maghzaoui’s ambitious foreign policy proposals come at a time when Tunisia is facing domestic upheavals. President Kais Saied has overseen significant changes since his election in 2019, most notably dissolving the parliament in 2021 and assuming sweeping powers under a new constitution. This consolidation of power has left many Tunisians disillusioned with the political establishment, creating an opening for candidates like Maghzaoui, who offer alternative visions for the country’s future.
However, Maghzaoui’s proposals are not without challenges. Tunisia’s historic ties with Europe, particularly through trade agreements with the EU, are deeply entrenched, and any significant pivot toward non-Western powers would likely face pushback from those who view the EU as a critical economic partner. Additionally, Tunisia’s relationships with Russia and China could raise concerns among Western allies, particularly given the growing geopolitical tensions between the West and these emerging powers.
As the October 6 election approaches, Maghzaoui’s foreign policy agenda will be a key talking point for voters. His promise to reshape Tunisia’s international relations reflects broader frustrations with the status quo and a desire for new solutions to the country’s enduring economic challenges. Whether this vision resonates with the electorate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Maghzaoui’s candidacy represents a bold bid to redefine Tunisia’s place in the global order.
