Publication

This commentary examines the polarization between Islamists and secularists in Tunisia, following the emergence of Tunisia’s main secular party as the largest force in the October 2014 parliamentary elections. The author argues that an all-secular government coalition could increase frictions between the country’s marginalized regions and between secularists and conservative sections of society, which would then make it difficult to launch structural economic reforms. She adds that Europe should continue to support Tunisia’s young democracy with financial aid as well as specific economic and security expertise, and, most importantly, promote cooperation between various ideological forces.