Tunisian democracy is increasingly observed internationally. At US Congressseveral legislative initiatives have emerged since 2023, reflecting Washington’s concern in the face of what it calls democratic declines noted in Tunisia. The most emblematic text is the Safeguarding Tunisian Democracy Act (S.2006),, Introduced to the Senate in June 2023.
Its objective is to condition part of American aid to concrete democratic progress in Tunisia, while supporting civil society and creating a fund dedicated to the strengthening of institutions.
What is it exactly?
The bill S.2006 provides two major components:
- A restrictive component : reduction of 25 % of American aid Managed by the State Department intended for Tunisia (including part of the security assistance), as long as certain conditions are not met.
- An incentive component : creation of a Annual fund of $ 100 million (2024–2025) To support Tunisian democracy, including Parliament, independent justice, free media and NGOs.
In order for these funds to be released, the American Secretary of State must certify that Tunisia has accomplished credible progress in matters of freedoms, rule of law and governance.
A chronology of initiatives at Congress
- June 15, 2023 : Submission of the project S.2006 by senators Jim Risch and Bob Menendez.
- July 25, 2023 : adoption in senatorial committee and registration on the legislative calendar.
- July 2023 : the House of Representatives adopts a resolution (H.res.613) expressing symbolic support for democratic values in Tunisia, while highlighting the concerns linked to the arrest of opponents and the restriction of freedoms.
- June 26, 2025 : a new resolution (S.res.310) is introduced to the Senate, confirming American vigilance towards the situation in Tunisia.
What implications for Tunisia?
This project is not trivial. Three major implications can be identified:
- A strong political signal : Congress places Tunisia in the category of countries under democratic surveillance. This weakens the international image of a country long presented as the democratic exception of the Arab world.
- A potential financial impact : If the conditions are not respected, Tunis may lose part of the American aid, especially in terms of security and development.
- A reform opportunity : The creation of a dedicated fund could on the contrary encourage the strengthening of democratic institutions, provided that the Tunisian authorities seize this chance.
