Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: “I am ready to step down if my health fails me” President Essebsi

Tunisian head of state Béji Caïd Essebsi has offered to step down if his health condition does not allow him to run the country as his critics question his physical ability following a recent medical check-up in France. Essebsi vehemently laid into politicians mainly former transitional president Moncef Marzouki whom he said has indulged in […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisian Parliament to Hold Confidence Vote on New Government

The Tunisian Parliament said it would convene a session on Friday to hold a vote of confidence on the newly formed government led by premier-designate Youssef Chahed. If Tunisian MPs approve the new cabinet, Chahed, 40, would become Tunisia’s youngest prime minister since the North African country won independence from France in 1956. In his […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Ennahda Party Has Reservations Over New Unity Govt

Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda party, the largest in parliament, has expressed “some reservations” about the new unity government formed by Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. “We have some observations and reservations on the new cabinet line-up,” said Chief of the party’s top body, the Shura Council. He made the statement following a meeting held by Ennahda Council […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Ennahda Party Has Reservations Over New Unity Govt

Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda party, the largest in parliament, has expressed “some reservations” about the new unity government formed by Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. “We have some observations and reservations on the new cabinet line-up,” said Chief of the party’s top body, the Shura Council. He made the statement following a meeting held by Ennahda Council […]

Columns Headlines Opinions Tunisia

Controversy Surrounds Nomination of New Tunisian Premier

The nomination of Youssef Chahed as a new Tunisian Prime Minister by Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi has stirred controversy and angered opponents who view the nomination as an act of nepotism. The close family ties between the 40-year old Chahed and the President who both belong to the Nidae Tounes party have alarmed smaller […]

Headlines Tunisia

A Roadmap to Form Unity Government in Tunisia

The Tunisian Government and major political stakeholders in the country signed, at the Presidential Palace in Carthage, an agreement to form a unity government. The document, dubbed Carthage Agreement, outlines the major social, economic and security challenges facing Tunisia. Different political parties in addition to the Tunisian Employers Association (UTICA) and the labour Union (UGTT) […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: ‘Utter Change of Cabinet Detrimental to the Country’, Prime Minister

As Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi continues consultations about the formation of a unity government, the Tunisian Premier has excluded stepping down; explaining that replacing his cabinet at this critical time will be a “setback” to efforts achieved to face the country’s numerous challenges. “The current stage requires keeping in place the cabinet that will […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Ennahda Becoming a National, Civil Political Party

Rachid Ghannouchi, who has been reelected Monday as the leader of Ennahda party with a comfortable 800 of the 1058 votes, said the party is taking a new turn, alluding to the end of political Islam. “From today, we are seriously moving towards becoming a national and civil political party with an Islamic core, which […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Ennahda Party Sidesteps from Political Islam

The Tunisian Islamist party Ennahda is refurnishing its image as party leaders announced Thursday separation of religious activities from Politics, reports say. The new orientation is to be confirmed at party’s convention this weekend. Party leader Rached Ghannouchi reportedly told French newspaper Le Monde that the change is coming in a new context, with a […]

Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia Extends State of Emergency till June 22

President Beji Caid Essebsi has decided to extend the state of emergency for 3 months beginning this March 23. The state of emergency was imposed after a November suicide bombing against a bus carrying presidential guards and was extended in February. The announcement signals that Tunisia will spend almost half of the current year under […]