Tunisian President Demands PM Al-Fakhfakh to Submit Resignation

On Wednesday, the Tunisian President Kais Saied, demanded the Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh and his cabinet to submit their resignations, according to "Sky News Arabia".

The TV satellite channel reported that the Islamist Al-Nahda movement decided to withdraw confidence from Fakhfakh, indicating that it will hold consultations with political parties to present an alternative candidate replacing him.

Tunisia's crisis

Ennahda’s move will deepen the political crisis engulfing Fakhfkah, who Ennahda says has lost credibility due to an alleged conflict of interest. It is also expected to heighten tensions between the Islamist parliament speaker, Rached Ghannouchi, and President Kaies Saied. The two do not see eye to eye on institutional prerogatives and the vision of government.

With 54 Ennahda-affiliated lawmakers,the Islamist party needs 109 votes in parliament to withdraw confidence from the government. For that, it will seek support for the motion from its two allies, the Karama and Qalb Tounes parties, as well as independent MPs. Ennahda leaders are confident they can get enough votes.

Fakhfakh said on Monday he will conduct a cabinet reshuffle in the coming days in what appears to be a step to remove Ennahda’s six ministers from the government.