Tunisian PM unveils new cabinet line- up

Tunisian Prime Minister- designate Youssef Chahed has unveiled his new government.

With a new prime minister and Cabinet reshuffle, Tunisia's stalled reform agenda could take a hit. https://t.co/AyowH4464x

— WorldPoliticsReview (@WPReview) August 20, 2016

While presenting the line-up on Saturday, Chahed appointed a former investment official Lamia Zribi as finance minister and keeping the previous Foreign Affairs Minister Khemais Jhinaoui and Defense Minister Farhat Horchani,in their posts.

Interior Minister Hedi Majdou, was also retained in his post.

He said this choice was inspired by recent successes in the security field and fight against terrorism.

“We have now included eight women in important portfolios such as finance and health while young people have received 14 ministerial portfolios and 5 of them are under 35 years,” he said.

Adding that Tunisia is in a very delicate phase and the government has no right to deceive Tunisians. He also called on all Tunisians and parties to support the new government..

The new governmental team consists of 26 senior ministers and 14 junior ministers. It is an inclusive cabinet with members of Nidaa Tounes, Islamist party Ennhada and smaller parties as well as opposition figures, independents and ministers close to the powerful UGTT labour union.

The new cabinet must however be approved by parliament.
AFP