Quit or seek a vote, Tunisian president tells PM
Tunisia’s president called for Prime Minister Youssef Chahed to either step down or seek a vote of confidence if the country’s political and economic crisis continues.
The call came after Mr Chahed clashed with Hafedh Caid Essebsi, the son of President Beji Caid Essebsi.
Mr Caid Essebsi Jr, who is leader of the ruling Nidaa Tounes party, called last May for the prime minister’s dismissal because of his government’s failure to revive the economy.
His call was supported by the powerful UGTT union, which rejected the economic reforms proposed by the prime minister.
“There is a difference between the parties and national organisations about the government, between government and key players like UGTT and some parties,” the president said.
“If this situation continues, the prime minister must resign or go to the parliament to ask for confidence.”
Mr Chahed, who was appointed by Mr Caid Essebsi in 2016, has accused the president’s son of destroying the Nidaa Tounes party and said the crisis within it had affected state institutions.
However, the moderate Islamist party Ennahda has said the exit of the prime minister would hit stability at a time when Tunisia needs economic reforms.
Tunisia has been hailed as the only democratic success from the Arab uprisings because protests toppled autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 without leading to violent upheaval, as happened in Syria and Libya.
But since then, nine cabinets have failed to resolve economic problems including high inflation and unemployment, and impatience is rising among lenders such as the International Monetary Fund.
Seven prime ministers have failed to fix the sluggish economy.
Turmoil and attacks by militants have also deterred investors and tourists, eroding living standards and raising unemployment.
Annual inflation hit a record high of 7.8 per cent last month as the dinar fell, making food imports more expensive.