Tunisian President Saied swears-in new government

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied on Monday said he has approved a new government selected by Prime Minister Najla Bouden Ramdhane.

The new cabinet has also been sworn in.

Najla Bouden, the first female prime minister put together the government two weeks after she was appointed.

Samir Saeid was appointed economy minister and Ali Mrabet as health minister.

The new cabinet has an unprecedented 10 women, including the prime minister.

They include Leila Jaffel, new at the Ministry of Justice, and Sihem Boughdiri Nemseya, reappointed as finance minister.

The cabinet is taking office at a time of crisis for the country.

Tunisia is facing an economic crisis that was exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic as well as widespread political infighting.

Nearly two months ago President Kais Saied took control of the country and dismissed the former prime minister.

Since July Mr Saied has been under pressure to form a new government. Mr Said himself will be the head of the cabinet.

Mr Said’s decision in July to take control of the government also broadened out the executive powers of the Presidency.