Tunisia’s PM Mechichi appoints new ministers in sweeping cabinet reshuffle

Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi named 12 new ministers on Saturday in a cabinet reshuffle he hopes will inject new blood into his government amid rising political tensions and an unprecedented economic crisis.

Mechichi named Walid Dhabi as the new interior minister, having this month sacked Taoufik Charfeddine, who is close to President Kais Saied, a move underscoring tensions between the country’s two most powerful leaders

Saied and Mechichi are at odds over their respective powers and political alliances, jeopardizing the stability required to push through much-needed reforms.

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Hedi Khairi was named health minister following criticism over the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with the official date for the start of vaccinations in Tunisia still unknown.

Disputes have also shaken the ranks of coalition partners supporting the government, with the Karama party refusing to vote on the reshuffle and threatening to leave the coalition.

Mechichi named Youssef Zouaghi as justice minister, Sofien Ben Touns as minister of energy and Oussama Kheriji as minister of agriculture.

“The next stage is full of challenges, including the necessary reforms for the economy, which require increased efficiency and harmony,” Mechichi said.

A file photo shows protesters outside the local government office in Kasserine, the impoverished central town, Tunisia, January 21, 2016. (Reuters/Amine Ben Aziza)

Although Tunisia became a democracy after its 2011 uprising, its economy has deteriorated, the country verges on bankruptcy and political leaders appear paralyzed.

The 2019 election delivered a bitterly fragmented parliament unable to produce a stable government, with parties bickering over cabinet seats and putting off big decisions.

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