Democracy News

Tunisia Announces New Unity Government
November 22, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

On November 22, the main winners from the recent Tunisian elections announced the formation of a new unity interim government.  As part of the power-sharing deal, Hamadi Jebali of the Ennahda Party, the once-banned Islamist party, will fill the post of prime minister, the most powerful position in the new administration. 

Moncef Marzouki from the secularist Congress for the Republic will be president, a now mostly ceremonial role.  Mustafa Ben Jaafar of the secularist Ettakatol Party will be speaker of the assembly.   

While the Ennahda Party won the most votes in last month's elections, the first since the fall of the Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali regime, it failed to win an outright majority.  According to the Financial Times, Ennahda's coalition with the smaller secular parties has allowed the coalition to dominate with 139 seats in the 217 member body.

Ennahda is now one of the country's most powerful political forces, but remains controversial.  According to Voice of America, political opponents and women's rights activists warn that the party will reduce social freedoms. The party has promised to maintain the country's secular image and to maintain women's rights.

The new government still faces considerable challenges, particularly with stabilizing the national economy.  The assembly has been tasked with writing a new constitution.  In addition, the government has promised new elections in a year. 

For previous news on Tunisia, please see:
Tunisia's Ennahda Party Wins Majority in Elections

Sources:
The Financial Times – Tunisia announces national unity government

Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty – New Tunisia Leaders Announce Government

Voice of America – Tunisia Inaugurates New Assembly

Voice of America – Tunisia's Islamist Party Begins to Form Coalition Government