Tunisia: Parliament has given confidence to the new government

Tunis – Tunisian Parliament Thursday gave its confidence to the government of Prime Minister-designate Habib Essid, a broad coalition dominated by the winner of the elections, but also Nidaa Tounès counting the party Ennahda.

Of the 204 elected officials present, 166 voted in favor, 30 against and eight deputies abstained.

Mr Essid, an “independent” Nidaa Tounès chosen to chair the government on Monday unveiled a revamped team after giving up a first draft of the government’s response to critics including Ennahda, second force in parliament, and as Nidaa Tounès 86 deputies had to form a coalition to achieve the 109 votes needed for the vote of confidence.

The new team, presented Monday by Mr. Essid, is dominated by Nidaa Tounès, the party of President Beji Caid Essebsi, who gets six portfolios including Foreign Affairs. The ministries of Interior, Defence and Justice for their part entrusted to independent. Ennahda has in turn got the portfolio of Employment and three state secretariats.

Three other parties are represented in the government team: the Free Patriotic Union (16 members) party Afek Tounès (Liberal, elected 8) and the National Front of salvation (one member).

Under the constitution, the new government formed by Habib Essid, must obtain the confidence of a majority, that is to say, minimum 109 votes in the Assembly of People’s Representatives (PRA), and after a brief presentation of his program to members of ARP (Assembly of People’s Representatives).