Almost seven years after the political upheavals in North Africa, when demands for democracy, rule of law and socio-economic change sparked reform processes in the entire region, the Southern Neighborhood is once again in the focus of European foreign and security policy.

In Tunisia, the protests led to a change of government and signaled the end of the dominant ruling party. At first, this development opened up space for pluralism of political parties and allowed the political representation of different parts of society and their respective interests. In almost all North African states, the leading role of parties in the political system is enshrined in the constitution. This mission however presupposes knowledge and experience of the work of political parties on the part of political actors and officials. Moreover, this allocated central role in the political system presents particularly young political parties with structural and ideological challenges.

The contribution at hand (in French) is a translated chapter of the study "Political Parties in North Africa. Ideological Diversity - Activities - Influence". It offers an overview of the development of political parties in Tunisia and acts as guide concerning the programmatic orientation.