Tunisian democracy a model for the Mediterranean, says Italy

Rome Jan 22 (IANS/AKI) The Italian government on Monday urged the European Union to back democracy in Tunisia calling it a "model" for the Mediterranean region.

"The EU should ensure support for the young democracy of Tunisia which is a model in the Mediterranean " tweeted Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano who is currently attending a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels.

Tunisia has been hit by a wave of protests this month and rallies have taken place in at least 10 different areas after the government raised value-added tax and social contributions and increased some prices on goods in its 2018 budget.

Over 800 people have been held during the unrest since January 7 the Interior Ministry said last week. Demonstrators accused police of a violent crackdown.

Tunisia has struggled economically since Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was deposed as president in 2011 at the start of the so-called Arab Spring uprisings and protesters argue conditions have not improved since.

--IANS/AKI
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