Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi chaired on Friday a meeting on article 64 of a document that aims to set the priorities of the new government.
Known as the Carthage 2 document, the gatherers at the meeting hit a snag with article 64 of the roadmap, which calls for partially or completely changing the government. The meeting also addressed whether to keep Prime Minister Youssef Chahed in his post.
Essebsi did not take a final decision on Chahed or his government, saying the issue should be referred to parliament as stipulated by the constitution.
Friday’s meeting in Carthage brought together various social and political parties that signed the Carthage 2 document.
Essebsi stated at the opening of the talks that changing the government or its prime minister should adhere to the constitution, while also not ignore the demands of those wanting a government change.
His statement only increased ambiguity regarding the fate of the Chahed government.
The president said that Friday’s meeting would be the last and article 64 remained unresolved.
In this regard, MP Hassouna Nassefi of the Machrou Tounes opposition party said that changing a government must take place through the state institutions.
Only the parliament can withdraw confidence from the government or approve any cabinet amendment, he added.
