General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Wanted: Proof that what happened in Ukraine actually constituted a "western sponsored coup." [View all]pampango
(24,692 posts)When Ben Ali fled Tunisia in 2011 he was not impeached after he left. He was replaced.
There are many other historical examples of presidents and prime ministers fleeing their country - effectively abdicating their office - without leaving a formal resignation letter. None of these leaders who felt the urge to flee abroad, gave much thought to what documentation they could provide to make the transition smoother for the successor government.
In general the street protests that lead up to a president's abrupt departure (take the money and run) create such tension and chaos that people are just glad the the president they hated is gone from their country and out of their lives. Perhaps there are those who would like for those people to insist that their legislatures follow through with a formal impeachment and conviction of the recently-departed leader but, in general, people in those countries seem to have other issues on their minds - like creating a more representative government with firmer control of police and security services that have been abusing people.
I would love it if each government that comes after a leader packs up and flees to another country without signing the right forms, would follow through with formal proceedings to show that "not only is he gone but he is no longer in office". Though that would take time and distract the legislature from what are undoubtedly pressing domestic problems, but it should be done. Alas, that does not always happen. Most often countries proceed under the principle of "he's gone so let's move on". The observance of the rule of law still has room to improve.