European Parliament members in Tunis have been briefed by Tunisian President Kais Saied on his plans for “free and fair” elections in order to resolve political turmoil in the nation.

In addition, he vowed to “maintain the unity, continuity, and sovereignty of the state, according to the desire of the Tunisian people.”

Andrea Cozzolino and Michael Gahler, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, were among the group.

In a statement from the presidency, Saied stated his “full commitment to terminate this extraordinary time by initiating steps to prepare the organising of a referendum and free and fair parliamentary elections on Dec. 17.” Saied.

Saied’s declaration of a state of emergency on July 25, 2021, led to the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and the suspension of Parliament, which was eventually dissolved last month.

Heavily concerned about recent events in Tunisia, an EU spokesperson stressed that continuing assistance for the nation will rely on it returning to a democratic course.

The European group also met with Prime Minister Najla Bouden and local politicians to seek support for political changes.

Our focus in Tunisia was on helping the authorities there execute changes that would benefit all citizens, given the country’s economic and food security challenges as well as the epidemic and fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Cozzolino.

Delegation members from Italy also highlighted “the need to respect popular engagement, plurality and representation,” the Italian MEP said.