“The municipal elections held on 6 May in Tunisia, the first since the end of the Ben Alí regime, represent an important milestone in the stabilization of democracy. Participation in the vote of 33% of citizens, although not high, can be considered a first significant step in the construction of local democracy. The fact that 49% of the candidates were young and women and that the highest consensus has been collected by independent candidates shows in any case the will of the Tunisian people to build a democracy that values local autonomy and promotes the emergence of new ruling classes" said Piero Fassino, thematic speaker in the Congress for the South -Mediterranean Partnership and President of the Socialist Group of Congress.

"We are proud - added Fassino - that the congress of regional and local authorities of the Council of Europe has accompanied the preparation and followed the electoral process, providing legal and operational assistance. We will continue in this action in the next months, providing new mayors and new administrations with the support and assistance necessary for the best take-off of their activities."