Tunisian president proposes new PM candidate

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi on Monday proposed Youssef Chahed as the new head of a national unity government, local media reported.

All parties concerned will meet on Wednesday to present their positions on the candidate. They may also suggest their own candidates.

If approved, Chahed will have one month to form a new cabinet for parliamentary approval.

Last Saturday, the government of Prime Minister Habib Essid lost a confidence vote in parliament.

Essid has been criticized by President Essebsi for lagging behind in the implementation of the financial reforms the country urgently needs. Endi