Tunisia: the political failure of the European Union
(word of humor) The fall of the Ben Ali regime in Tunisia led to a rather weak reaction from the European Union... Admittedly, we were treated to three successive press releases signed jointly by Cathy Ashton, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, and Stefan Fule, Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy. But often in the wake of events and other countries (like the United States). And with a striking lack of human presence.
Mainly written communication
First, on January 10 to call for the limited use of force, respect for fundamental rights and the release of those imprisoned. A little weak. Then, on January 14, after the fall of President Ben Ali, a very cautious statement recognizing the democratic will of Tunisians. Still weak. Finally, on January 17, a somewhat more substantial communiqué paying tribute to the "courage" of the Tunisians, affirming the "solidarity" of the European Union with "Tunisia and its people" and making an offer of assistance, in particular for the organization of elections. Finally ! you might say! But during a week that these events lasted, there were only written communications.
A lack of political foresight
During the first week of the events, at no time did we have a bit of sensitivity, of human presence. No press conference, what is called in journalistic language "VIP corner" or other means of expression to greet the Tunisian "people" live. Certainly if the same situation had occurred in Belarus, for example, the reaction would have been quite different. And we would be entitled to several statements from political leaders of the Commission, including undoubtedly its President. A sacred lack of courage and political foresight. As if the EU was stuck in a wait-and-see attitude in Paris, but also in Rome and in some European capitals. It is true that Ben Ali had many friends and supporters, including in the two main European political parties.
The unalterable mark of a congenital weakness
Cathy Ashton, the High Representative, has once again lost an opportunity to assert her diplomatic presence. She appears weaker than ever in her functions and unable to react in the event of a crisis in the world. A quasi-congenital weakness. As if it depended too closely on instructions from the capitals and could not assert an independent voice...
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