By RFIPubliée the 27-06-2019Modified the 27-06-2019 at 20:42

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi was hospitalized urgently this Thursday, June 27. His health is considered "stable" by his entourage, without knowing exactly what he suffered or the exact diagnosis of his doctors. And for now, there is no vacancy of power, said leaders of the parliamentary blocs after an interview.

The rumors went well after a first brief statement published at midday. Beji Caid Essebsi, said the text published on the Facebook page of the presidency, " was the victim of a serious malaise and was transferred to the military hospital of Tunis ". His advisor Firas Guefrech immediately indicated on his Twitter account that the state of the president was " critical ", before qualifying his words and speak of " stable " state.

Meanwhile, several foreign media openly spoke about his death. Information categorically denied by the spokesman of the presidency several times on various media, which states that the head of state is " tired " but " conscious ". And at the end of the afternoon, it is the Prime Minister himself, Youssef Chahed, who after going to the bedside of the president, wanted to " reassure the Tunisians ", stating that the head of the State was " receiving the necessary care ". And finally calling " not to disseminate false information causing confusion ".

► See also: Tunisia: Beji Caid Essebsi hospitalized after a "serious malaise"

No vacancy in power

The leaders of the parliamentary blocs met at the Assembly of People's Representatives in the afternoon of Thursday, chaired by Mohamed Ennaceur, President of the ARP.

The question of hospitalization of the Head of State was discussed, but no decision was taken. Before separating, they nevertheless affirmed that there was no official vacancy of the presidency of the Republic. The constitutional process of succession of Carthage has not been addressed.

■ What does the Constitution provide in the event of a power vacuum ?

The Tunisian Constitution provides two scenarios. The first is a temporary vacancy. The executive power is then entrusted to the Prime Minister for a period not exceeding 60 days. The second is a definitive vacancy, such as the resignation or death of the head of state. It is then the President of the Assembly of People's Representatives - the Tunisian Parliament - who ensures the interim for a period between 45 days minimum and 90 days maximum.

That said, this interim only gives limited powers to the new president. It is not possible for him to amend the Constitution, call a referendum, dissolve parliament or censor the government.

But first and foremost, the Constitutional Court must declare the vacancy of power. However, it has never been put in place because of differences between political parties. However, in 2014, a "Provisional Body for the Scrutiny of the Constitutionality of Bills", composed of three magistrates and three academics, was formed to compensate for its absence. According to a constitutional expert whom RFI questioned, it is she who must note the unavailability of the president and open the way to the investiture of the acting head of state.

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