Tunisia’s Prime Minister was dismissed after a violent Covid protest

The Tunisian president dismissed the prime minister and suspended parliament after fierce protests across the country.

Thousands of protesters angry at the government’s mishandling of Covid-19 flooded the streets on Sunday and clashed with police.

President Kais Saied said he intends to calm the country and announced that he would be in charge with the help of the new prime minister.

However, the opponent named his move a coup.

“We made these decisions … until social peace returns to Tunisia, and until we save the nation,” Saeed televised after an emergency security conference at his palace. Said in the speech that was given.

Protesters erupted at a celebration on news that Prime Minister Hishem Mechichi was dismissed late Sunday night. President Saeed joined the crowd in the capital Tunis.

Thousands of people opposed the ruling parties in Tunis and other cities, shouting “Get out!” And demanding the dissolution of parliament.

Security forces blocked parliaments and streets around Central Avenue Bourguiba, the center of anti-government protests during the 2011 revolution in Tunisia.

Police fired tear gas at protesters, arrested several, and clashed in several other towns.

Protesters raided the governing Nafda Party’s office, destroyed computers, and set fire to Tozeur’s local headquarters.

The party blamed the attack, “trying to disperse turmoil and destruction,” and “criminal gangs.”

Military warning

President Saeed has vowed to respond to further military violence.

“Anyone who is thinking of relying on weapons … and anyone who shoots bullets, the army will react with bullets,” he said.

He said the constitution allowed parliament to be suspended if it was in “imminent danger.”

However, Tunisian Speaker Rached Ghannouchi has accused the president of a “coup on revolution and constitution.”

The story continues

“We believe the agency is still standing and supporters of the Nafda and Tunisian people will defend the revolution,” Nafda leader Gannousy told Reuters.

Ten years ago, the Tunisian Revolution brought about democracy and caused an Arab spring rebellion throughout the region.

But I’m disappointed to expect this to bring more work and opportunities.

Ten years later, Tunisia is fighting a serious economic crisis and one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Africa.

Incidents have increased exponentially in recent weeks, putting further pressure on the economic downturn.

Prime Minister Hishem Mechichi dismissed the Minister of Health last week, which did little to ease people’s anger.