The hope of a people

“We must be optimistic. We shouldn’t be afraid”. Msgr. Maroun Lahham, Archbishop of Tunis, said he believes in a better future for his Country and hopes that the national elections scheduled to take place next fall will finally bring democracy to Tunisia. In the interview by Maria Chiara Biagioni for SIR Europe, Msgr. Lahham equally addressed the question of migrant landings in Lampedus and the economic situation of the country. As archbishop of Tunis, what is your impression on the boat landings in Lampedusa? “Today in Libya people are dying, and worse still, it is the clear, explicit will of Gheddafi, who threatened Europe that he would respond to the war by prompting a massive inflow of immigrants. Naturally, in Tunisia there is no such wicked political will. Young Tunisians and the Maghreb populations in general, have cherished the hope of coming to Italy, France or Germany for many years. Lately, after the revolution, serious unemployment levels were coupled by a dramatic fall in the tourist sector, causing the unemployment of half a million young people. Thus there are now half a million more young people without a job. Half a million young people means half a million families, involving as many as 2 million people at least, namely, 30% of Tunisia’s overall population. For this reason, the youth that were affected by this situation are fleeing the country. The borders are poorly controlled since the police have diverted their forces to the cities. Maybe also Tunisian authorities are lacking the political will to put an end to this situation as the country’s stagnating economy and the standstill in the tourist sector are their primary concerns”. In Europe the claim is being made that the economic situation of Tunisia is not that serious to justify the ongoing massive exodus. What is your opinion? “The situation isn’t serious in terms of security, but it is in financial terms. The economy is collapsing and so is tourism. It’s hard to understand what tourism means for Tunisia. There used to be an inflow of 7 million tourists per year, in a country with 10 million citizens. You can imagine how many people were employed in hotels, restaurants, resorts: an entire world that thrived on tourism. Thus, from this point of view the situation is tragic. Certainly nobody is starving. But starving is one thing, hoping to lead a dignified life is a right. It is not in my capacities to analyze the question from the juridical or political angle. However, as a pastor I have at heart the human aspect of the situation. The young fleeing the country are all God’s sons and daughers. They are people, looking for a job. They’re not criminals, terrorists… they’re not fundamentalists”.How are the Lampedusa landings perceived in Tunisia?“I wish to say something to this regard. Since the war in Libya broke out, Tunisians welcomed some 250 000 Libyans and African immigrants in Libya who were forced to flee the country because of the war. Tunisia welcomed and took care of them for three/four months. This is part of Arab hospitality”. Do you mean that Italy wasn’t as generous? “Well, then neither France has been, but this is the opinion of a pastor of the Church, it’s not the opinion of a politician or of a jurist”.Why are people afraid?“I think that if they had been Polish, perhaps people wouldn’t have reacted as they did. Perhaps it’s also their Islamic belief that is viewed with fear”.What is your appeal to Europe?“Europe is safe provided it remains faithful to her origins. And Europe’s origins are Christian. One of the strongest Christian values is sharing, solidarity. Thus, opening up to your brother in difficulty, even if he’s different”.What are you hopes for Tunisia?“I hope that the country will pioneer a democratic system extending across the entire Arab world. My hope is that Tunisia may succeed – inshallah – in following the path of democratic elections thus laying the grounds for the creation of a democratic system, capable of addressing the challenge of promoting a moderate Islam in a democratic State. It is my hope, and I believe it will become reality”.