Controversy in Tunisia After PM Dismisses Ministers

Arab World

February 17th, 12:32pm

Tunis- Al Mongi Al Saidani

Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Michichi attends the presentation of his new ministers at the parliament (File photo: Reuters)

Tunisia’s Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi dismissal of five ministers, known to be close to President Kais Saied, stirred a political controversy in the country. Head of Ennahda parliamentary bloc Noureddine Bhiri described the decision to sack the ministers as a “normal step” falling within the powers of the prime minister. However, the opposition stressed it is an “escape forward” measure and the current crisis requires a political solution. Head of Amal coalition Ahmed Najeeb al-Shabi described Mechichi’s decision as "a positive first step” to avoid any further delay in state matters, resulting from the deep disagreement between the presidency and premiership. He urged for expediting the formation of constitutional institutions, namely the constitutional court, saying they should be a priority. Shabi called on all political and social parties to launch a national political, economic, and social dialogue as soon as possible, aiming to take the country out of the crisis that has been exacerbating for a long time. On Monday, Mechichi dismissed five ministers, labeled "ministers of the palace" aiming to form a small government that doesn’t need to be sworn-in before the president, after the recent constitutional crisis. Saeid sent a letter to Mechichi saying he is aware of the political schemes and the parties’ failure to meet the expectations of Tunisian youth, which left a fierce political debate. However, Mechichi’s move did not lead to a political breakthrough whether with the president who rejects the ministerial reshuffle or with the opposition political parties. The current cabinet is a precedent in the history of the country, consisting of 28 ministries, eight of which are run by interim ministers. Observers believe the government is “paralyzed", indicating that dismissing the ministers and assigning interim heads will not solve the original problem looming over the relationship of the two heads of the executive authority.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2811251/controversy-tunisia-after-pm-dismisses-ministers