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Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses prime minister
Omar Elwafaii
Africa;Tunisia

Tunisian President Kaid Saied on Sunday announced he invoked an article in the constitution to dismiss the prime minister and suspend the parliament for 30 days. Saied said he will rule alongside a new prime minister.

The moves came after months of political deadlock and economic crisis made worse by the pandemic. Many Tunisians welcomed the move, pouring into the streets in celebration, while his opponents say his actions are undemocratic and calling it a coup, accusations Saied denies.

Saied, who has not said when the new premier will be appointed, also plans to replace the defense and justice ministers. The country’s military, which backs Saied, blocked workers from the government palace in the Kasbah and blocked off the state television building.

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