The dispute between Disy and the government over new identity cards escalated on Thursday, with the main opposition party insisting on citizens' right to decide whether their father's and mother's names appear on the document, and describing the government's decision to drop the fields as "unilateral and mistaken."
Disy renewed its call for the government to immediately withdraw what it called its "unilateral and mistaken decision to remove the father's and mother's details from identity cards." The party said its position has been consistent throughout, stating that citizens should have the right to free choice, so that anyone who does not wish to have their parents' names recorded can opt out. To secure that right, Disy said it has prepared a bill, which it will table in parliament.
Government accused of shifting blame
The statement follows a clash that broke out on Wednesday between Disy and the government, after the interior ministry said in a statement that Disy was among the parties that had supported the decision during consultations held in 2020 and 2023. Disy responded, accusing the government of trying to shift responsibility for what it called its unilateral decision to remove the fields, and adding that the government was "misrepresenting" the party's position.
