"La Tunisie appartient à tous les Tunisiens." (Tunisia belongs to all Tunisians.)
This quote by Beji Caid Essebsi emphasizes the idea of equal citizenship and unity among all Tunisian people, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, or social status. It suggests that Tunisia is a shared homeland for every single Tunisian citizen, promoting the notion of national belonging, equality, and solidarity within the nation. This perspective fosters social cohesion, understanding, and mutual respect among diverse communities in Tunisia.
"J'ai un récit de Tunisie qui est celui d'une femme : la mère, l'épouse, la grand-mère, la sœur et la citoyenne active dans sa société." (I have a story of Tunisia that is that of a woman: the mother, the wife, the grandmother, the sister and the active citizen in her society.)
This quote by Beji Caid Essebsi highlights the multifaceted roles that women play in Tunisian society. The phrase "I have a story of Tunisia" suggests that the experiences and contributions of women are an integral part of Tunisia's narrative, not just as individuals but as family members and active citizens. The roles mentioned - mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and active citizen - emphasize the various dimensions of women's lives in Tunisian society, from their familial responsibilities to their civic engagement and participation. This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing women's contributions in all aspects of life as a key component of Tunisia's national identity.
"La religion est une affaire privée." (Religion is a private matter.)
This quote emphasizes the personal nature of religious belief, suggesting that individuals should be free to practice their faith or non-faith in a manner that is personally meaningful without interference from others or external entities. It promotes respect for the diversity of beliefs and encourages tolerance and mutual understanding among people with different religious backgrounds.
"Nous ne pouvons pas refuser au jeune Tunisien de faire partie des premiers citoyens du monde." (We cannot refuse the young Tunisian from being among the first citizens of the world.)
This quote by Beji Caid Essebsi signifies a vision for Tunisia where its youth are not confined within national borders but are equipped to participate globally as prominent, active citizens. It symbolizes hope and aspiration for Tunisian youth to make significant contributions on the global stage, reflecting inclusivity and a forward-thinking perspective.
"Le dialogue et la conciliation sont les piliers de mon gouvernement." (Dialogue and reconciliation are the pillars of my government.)
This quote by Beji Caid Essebsi signifies his belief in the importance of open dialogue and reconciliation as fundamental principles for effective governance. He suggests that through constructive communication, understanding, and compromise, a stable and harmonious society can be achieved. His government, therefore, is built on these two pillars of diplomacy and unity, reflecting a commitment to peaceful coexistence and problem-solving.
To fight extremism, we will need to pursue a two-pronged strategy: both 'hard,' through stricter control of our borders and a more robust and technologically advanced security response, and 'soft,' based on better intelligence-gathering, working to return our mosques to their spiritual function and barring entry to foreign preachers.
- Beji Caid Essebsi
I've always maintained there is no incompatibility between Islam and democracy. The Europeans in general confuse Islam and Islamism. Islamism is a political movement that instrumentalises the religion to get to power, which has nothing to do with religion. Islam here in Tunisia is a religion of openness, of tolerance.
- Beji Caid Essebsi
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