World leaders mourn the death of late Tunisian President Essebsi

Interim Tunisian President Mohamed Ennaceur said that Beji Caid Essebsi was responsible for “consolidating the values of freedom,” during a speech at the funeral service of late Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi.

“[He] succeeded in securing the democratic transition and stability of the country,” Ennaceur said, adding that he “was keen on the success of democratic choice and national consensus.”

“Beji Caid Essebsi was the architect of national reconciliation,” he said. “We will continue on the path of Essebsi in building a democratic national state.”

“The loss of Essebsi is a loss to the homeland,” Ennaceur added.

The acting Algerian president, Abdelkader Bensalah, said: “The loss of Essebsi is a loss to Tunisia and to the Arab world.”

Essebsi’s death is a great loss to “the Arab and Islamic nation,” said Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, said that “Essebsi changed history” in a speech.

For his part, King Felipe VI of Spain said : “We share the sadness over the loss of Essebsi, who dedicated his life to serve his country.”

French president Emmanuel Macron said: “I would like to highlight the climate of calm in Tunisia despite the atmosphere of sadness,” adding that he has “learned a lot from Essebsi.