Tunisia’s President Kais Saied designated the country’s current Interior Minister Hichem Mechichi as the new prime minister to succeed Elyes Fakhfakh, reported Reuters.
Fakhfakh resigned from his post over allegations of a conflict of interest because of his stake in a company that won government contracts worth 15 million euro. He stepped down the same day the party filed a no-confidence motion against him.
In a statement following Saturday’s announcement, Mechichi pledged to respond to the social and economic demands of the people of Tunisia.
“I will work to form a government that meets the aspirations of all Tunisians and to respond to their legitimate demands,” Mechichi said.
The 46-year-old Mechichi now has 30 days time to form a government capable of winning a confidence vote in parliament by a simple majority, or the president will dissolve parliament and call for new elections which will be held within three months. The result of any vote in parliament for the government is not guaranteed.
In the October elections held last year, the Ennahdha party got the maximum votes but fell far short of a majority and eventually agreed to join a coalition government. Fakhfakh’s resignation earlier this month, after less than five months in office, threatened fresh political deadlock in the nation as it struggles with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tunisia has reported 1,452 confirmed coronavirus cases so far with a total of 50 deaths.
The various political parties are now seeking a no confidence motion against speaker and moderate Islamist Ennahda party’s leader Rached Ghannouchi. A session is scheduled for Thursday.
Mechichi is seen as close to President Saied. He had and served as his counselor in handling legal matters. He has previously been chief of staff at the Ministry of Transport and also served in the Ministry of Social Affairs.
