I've always maintained there is no incompatibility between Islam and democracy. The Europeans in general confuse Islam and Islamism. Islamism is a political movement that instrumentalises the religion to get to power, which has nothing to do with religion. Islam here in Tunisia is a religion of openness, of tolerance.

Beji Caid Essebsi

Always Between Confuse Democracy Europeans General Get Here Islam Maintained Movement Nothing Openness Political Power Religion Tolerance Tunisia Which

Related Quotes

There is no future for Tunisia without consensus among political parties and members of civil society.

— Beji Caid Essebsi

AmongCivilCivil Society

The future begins today! What is important is what we do today and tomorrow for Tunisia and all its children. We must work hand in hand.

— Beji Caid Essebsi

BeginsChildrenFuture

The democratic process is always vulnerable and threatened by terrorists, by parties that do not believe in democracy.

— Beji Caid Essebsi

AlwaysBelieveDemocracy

We respect every religion. Everyone is free to practice his religion freely... In the Tunisian parliament, we have even Jews.

— Beji Caid Essebsi

EvenEveryEveryone

There is no dignity without work. You can't tell someone who has nothing to eat to stay patient.

— Beji Caid Essebsi

DignityEatNothing