Political analysts say Monday evening’s announcement by President Beji Caid Essebsi could make it difficult for the government to enact tough economic reforms sought by international lenders. His demand was supported by the powerful UGTT union, which rejected economic reforms proposed by Chahed. AusterityBut Ennahda came to Chahed’s defense, saying the departure of the prime minister would hit stability at a time when the country needed economic reforms. But Chahed could find it difficult to enact tough reforms in the face of a strong opposition front including the unions, the president and Nidaa Tounes party. Since 2011 uprising, nine cabinets have failed to resolve Tunisia’s economic problems, which include high inflation and unemployment, and impatience is rising among lenders such as the IMF, which have kept the country afloat.

Source: Egypt Independent September 25, 2018 11:26 UTC