Tunisia’s Prime Minister-designate names first blind minister in cabinet team

Nominated Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi unveiled Monday his cabinet, which will include the country’s first blind minister.

Walid Zidi, 34, will be in charge of the culture portfolio in Mechichi’s 25-minister lineup waiting to be confirmed by the parliament.

Zidi is also the first ever blind Tunisian to land a doctorate degree. He graduated last year from Manouba university, in Arabic language and linguistics.

Mechichi, former Interior minister, was assigned late last month by President Kais Saied to form a government after Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh resigned from the post over allegations of a conflict of interest.