Ex-TunisAir CEO announces plans to run for next year presidential elections

Olfa Hamdi, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tunisia’s national carrier and founder of La troisième République [The Third Republic] movement, will run for the presidency during the next elections.

Hamdi unveiled her plans over the weekend and presented herself as the suitable replacement of incumbent Kais Saied whose election in 2019 has harmed so much the North African country.

“After four years of bad governance and divisive policies based on fear, President Kaïs Saïed’s strategic choices have seriously damaged the State of the Tunisian National Union. They now constitute a serious sovereign risk to Tunisia’s national security and to the socio-economic well-being of the Tunisian people,” she said.

“Today, I am unveiling my candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. I present to the Tunisian people an alternative political vision aimed at securing a better economic future for their families and meeting their needs for hope, security, prosperity, and unity,” she added.

Hamdi also indicated that she is embarking on a dialogue with all Tunisians at home or abroad in view of building a broad coalition guaranteeing a peaceful and successful political transformation in the forthcoming presidential elections.

“Through this declaration, I humbly ask the Tunisian people to support me in conducting this dialogue, in leading this campaign and, ultimately, in realizing this vision of all of us united to bring our country into the 21st century. May God help me and bless our country,” she said furthermore.

Hamdi who headed the national carrier for one month (Jan. 07 – Feb. 22 2021) launched her political party in February this year.