Marzouki mocks the world

Tunisia  is in a crisis, the tension is high, the economy is sluggish and the Tunisian president still finds time to write a book [The invention of democracy: lessons from the Tunisian experience, ed. La Découverte], in which he coments on many forums of opinion, traveling, drinking tea with princesses, chairing literary conferences..

In the opinion of the author of the article Moncef Marzouki is tainted by his close association with the Emir of Qatar who is not known for his application of democracy in Qatar. The artice comments that with no real power the interim president occupies his time with high level social gatherings where he dispenses his opinions on democracy, justice and freedom of expression. However, the article says, he has not done anything to actually advance the situation in Tunisia but merely sells words and opimions to international acclaim whilst failing to apply these ideas in Tunisia. The article renews criticism of his decision to have his book published by a French, rather than a Tunisian publisher.

The article concludes that Moncef  Marzouki projects a false image as  a democrat and defender of justice and human rights but he does not act effectively as president. Whilst continuing to express himself as an activist the author of the article fears that he may end up like Robespierre.