Tunisia: Ben Ali Cronies Dropped in Cabinet Reshuffle

By staff writer

TUNIS---Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi has dropped key ministers from deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s government in a major reshuffle of the interim government.

In a live television address on Thursday, Ghannouchi insisted that the government was transitional with a clear mission to take the country to democracy. He maintained his PM position as 12 ministers from ousted leader Ben Ali’s government were replaced in the new cabinet reshuffle.

The changes had affected the defence, interior and finance among other key ministries that were held by allies of former ruling Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD) party.

Ghannouchi said the new cabinet should begin work on reforms sought by some opposition parties, including new laws on elections, terrorism and media freedom. He urged for an end to street protests, calling for Tunisians to demonstrate civilized behaviour so that the revolution can be a success.

He also said that the projected elections will be organized by an independent national commission and will be witnessed international observers to ensure an “honest and transparent” exercise.

The country’s main labour union UGTT has endorsed the new cabinet although it said it will not join the new government. The labour movement had been greatly involved in organizing the demonstration that saw the fall of Ben Ali.

Ben Ali was forced to resign and flee to Saudi Arabia following weeks of demonstrations in protest against poverty, oppression and extensive corruption that accustomed his 23 years of rule.

Police in the capital Tunis, earlier in the week held back anti-government protesters who were trying to access the PM’s office, demanding him to step down. They said their rejection to him was that he did not fight corruption during his long service under Ben Ali and thus saw him as an accomplice of the fallen regime.

The interim government has issued an international arrest warrants against Ben Ali and his family for theft and other financial crime. He is accused of illegally transferring funds and acquiring property during his reign.

Over 78 people have been killed since mid-December in the popular uprising that has spilled over to neighbouring Arab countries which are also protesting against authoritarian regimes.