Watan-The Tunisian scene is witnessing growing public anger following the revelation of controversial details about agreements between President Kais Saied and the European Union, particularly concerning the issue of irregular migration.
These agreements have raised questions about the Tunisian government’s commitment to national sovereignty, amid accusations that the president is “selling out Tunisians” in exchange for temporary financial gains from Europe, especially Italy.
The roots of the crisis go back to joint cooperation between the Carthage Palace and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has intensified her visits to Tunisia since 2023 and pushed for the signing of agreements related to migration management. Despite repeated denials by Tunisian authorities that they intend to settle African migrants on Tunisian soil, developments on the ground suggest otherwise.
Tunisia’s Migration Dilemma: Border Guard or Sovereign Nation?
Reports indicate an unprecedented spread of migrants in various parts of Tunisia, particularly in the city of Sfax, where residents have expressed frustration over the deteriorating security and social conditions. At the same time, forced deportations of Tunisians from European countries—most notably France, Italy, and Germany—have increased, feeding a public sentiment that Tunisia has become a “border guard” for Europe.
The issue has not remained confined to the public sphere. Tunisia’s media and political arenas have also seen intense debate, with some defending the government’s actions as necessary to protect the economy, while others view them as a national betrayal and a concession of Tunisian dignity.
Observers believe that President Saied’s migration policy could negatively impact Tunisia’s relations with the African continent and pave the way for unprecedented social unrest. The question remains: Does President Saied have a clear plan to deal with the consequences of these agreements? Or is Tunisia heading toward a new sovereignty crisis under a European guise?
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