15-01-2011, 09:56 AM
The trade unions have been playing a role in the most recent protests. But there are several left groups of various shades in Tunisia and I don't know how well they get on if at all. They are run from outside or underground of course. So it is difficult to know how they will fare in a general election. I had an email from some one who knows the situation there (French) telling me that there are divisions in the military on where to go from here. However the police have withdrawn from the streets and been replaced by the military. One man and his immediate family have gone but there are still plenty of other elites there who want to keep the old system going to their advantage. The old regeime is receeding but is it regrouping as well? Unlikely to give up just yet. People are setting up their own local committees and organising locally. Five members of Ben Ali's family have been arrested on charges of corruption, including some of the most prominent businessmen in Tunisia. Apparently, there are calls for a new demonstration tomorrow to force Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi to step down and for the holding of "free general elections".
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.