TUNIS, Oct 14 Reuters - Tunisia's President said on Thursday he would withdraw the diplomatic passport of former President Moncef Marzouki who had demanded that France end its support for the Tunisian government.
Kais Saied presented a new government on Monday, but gave no indication he was ready to relinquish control after seizing a wide range of powers in July.
I will withdraw his diplomatic passport because he is among the enemies of Marzouki, Saied said, referring to Tunisia.
Last week, Marzouki, who was president from 2011 to 2014, called on the French authorities not to help the dictatorial regime in Tunisia Saied asked the justice minister to open an investigation into allegations that Marzouki had conspired against state security.
Saied is under strong international pressure, especially from constitutional powers, to announce a clear road map for a return to international politics.
He rejected West involvement, saying it was a matter for Tunisians, adding: We will not allow anyone to interfere. Thousands protested in Tunis last week against the Saied control of almost total power raising fears of further unrest.
His intervention followed years of economic stagnation and political collapse, but it has cast into doubt the democratic gains made by Tunisians during a 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring uprisings.