The President of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Kais Saied stressed, Today, Thursday, April 6, 2023, in remarks delivered at the Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum in Monastir, on the commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of leader Habib Bourguiba's death, that "Tunisia is a sovereign independent state and cannot receive instructions from abroad. "Tunisia is not for sale, it is for Tunisians," he said.

Tunisia has several resources to face the current economic and social challenges, he said, stressing that the country will not accept, under any circumstances, dictates from abroad.

He called on Tunisians to show responsibility and preserve social peace.

"The problem of debt arises every year ... The International Monetary Fund (IMF), monetary institutions and the whole world must understand that the human being is not just a number. We must therefore respect the will of the people and take into consideration the human dimension," he said.

The Head of State also criticized "those who rely on foreign parties, greedy for power and plotting against the security of the state, after having looted billions". Their aim was to implode the state from within, he accused.

In this regard, he stressed the imperative to return the looted and embezzled funds abroad "as they belong to the people". He added: "We ask the international community to respect the will of the people and this is not a favor from them.

The President of the Republic also criticized the call to return to the 2014 Constitution and the non-recognition of the new parliament, saying that talk of national dialogue has no basis after the establishment of an elected parliament.

"Dialogue is the responsibility of the legislator who adopts bills," he added.

Referring to the arrest of some politicians, he explained that they are detained for different reasons that have nothing to do with freedom of expression, citing money laundering, murder and speculation.

"The war against corruption will continue without respite," he said.

He also denied "rumors about restrictions on rights and freedoms in Tunisia".