Tunisia's PM sacked after violent Covid protests

[Celerity]

Source: BBC

Tunisia's president has sacked the prime minister and suspended parliament, after violent mass protests nationwide on Sunday.



Anger over the government's handling of a massive recent spike in Covid cases has added to general unrest over the nation's economic and social turmoil. President Kais Saied, who was elected in 2019, announced he was taking over. His supporters erupted in celebration, but opponents in parliament immediately accused him of staging a coup.

Mr Saied, an independent, has had a long-standing feud with the man he has removed, PM Hichem Mechichi. Mr Mechichi has the backing of the largest party in parliament, Ennahda.

Tunisia's revolution in 2011 is often held up as the sole success of the Arab Spring revolts across the region, but it has not led to stability economically or politically.

The recent coronavirus surge has fuelled long-standing public frustration. The health minister was sacked last week after a bungled vaccination campaign.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57958555

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Tunisia President Kais Saied accused of coup amid clashes

Tunisia's main political parties have accused the president of staging a coup after he sacked the prime minister and suspended parliament.

Kais Saied, who also dismissed the defence minister, says he acted in accordance with the constitution.
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The UN said "all disputes... should be resolved through dialogue", while the EU urged all sides involved to respect the rule of law and avoid violence.
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They threw stones at each other outside the legislature, which has been barricaded by troops.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-57976005