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Tunisia’s President Sacks Prime Minister, Suspends Parliament Following Protests

HeadlineJul 26, 2021

The president of Tunisia dismissed the prime minister and suspended parliament Sunday, announcing he would take on executive power with the assistance of a new prime minister. The move came following major protests across Tunisia against the ruling Ennahda party. This is a protester speaking just hours before the president’s announcement.

Hammemi Ahmed: “The main demand is that the Ennahda Movement, which ruled for 10 years and did not provide us with solutions, leave the parliament. As a young man in 2011, I called for jobs, freedom and national dignity. And in 2021, I still call for jobs, freedom and national dignity.”

Police released tear gas on crowds after they poured into the streets to celebrate the news, as some members of parliament and others accused the president of launching a state coup. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera is reporting police raided their Tunis office earlier today, expelling all the staff and confiscating equipment.

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