TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) – A minister in Tunisia’s previous government announced on Wednesday that he has been nominated as the country’s new prime minister and quickly warned Tunisians to brace themselves for “exceptional sacrifices.”
Youssef Chahed, an agricultural engineer by training, served as minister for local affairs in the government that fell over the weekend in a no-confidence vote. He would replace Prime Minister Habib Essid, a U.S.-trained agricultural economist who faced criticism from across the political spectrum.
The choice of Chahed came under criticism from some in part because he is related by marriage to President Beji Caid Essebsi – who nominates the new prime minister. The nomination was nevertheless likely to be approved by a parliamentary vote, as required. The parliament has a month to do so, but the vote could come sooner. Chahed said he could start consultations to form a new government on Wednesday.
He said the government would be a “government of youths” with more female ministers than the three in the outgoing Cabinet and favoring no one party.
Chahed, 41, said he is in a hurry to put Tunisia, a fledgling democracy, back on track.