Tunisia’s parliament approves Mechichi’s government confidence

Tunisia’s parliament approved a technocratic government in a confidence vote on Wednesday, hoping to end months of political instability and focus on tackling worsening economic and social problems.

“The government formation comes at a time political instability and the people’s patience has reached its limit,” prime minister-designate Hichem Mechichi told parliament as the debate began.

“Our priority will be to address the economic and social situation… stop the bleeding of public finances, start talks with lenders and begin reform programmes, including for public companies and subsidies,” he added.

There were 134 votes in favour and 67 against forming the government.