The formation of a new Tunisian government, headed by Youssef Chahed, split power between a number of key players, but sparked a mixed response from politicians.

The formation of a new Tunisian government, headed by Youssef Chahed, split power between a number of key players, but sparked a mixed response from politicians.

In the new government, four ministries and four ministries of state have been given to Nidaa Tounes, Youssef Chahed’s party. Meanwhile, two ministries and four ministries of state were given to the Islamic Ennahda Party, with another two ministries taken on by Afek Tounes, and one ministry to each being run by the National Destourian Initiative, Social Democratic Path (SDP), and the Republican Party.

The Tunisian parliament approved Youssef Chahed’s new government in late August, ending months of negotiations as the country deals with security issues and a sluggish economy. Opinions were split on the move, with some dubbing it as a quota government aimed at satisfying all parties, especially major parties like Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda.

Cornering Influence

Ennahda has gained influence through the new government. It has obtained more than two ministries because Zied Ladhari, one of its young leaders, was given two major ministries, industry and trade.

Moreover, Ennahda now has the Ministry of Employment, a sensitive office, given the pressing challenges of unemployment in the country. Meanwhile, the Minister of Communication Technology Anouar Maarouf has been appointed with Ennahda’s blessing.

The number of parties participating in the government has increased, with three opposition parties gaining three ministries and total of 13 ministerial portfolios assigned to independent and union figures. However, the balance of power within the government remains tilted in favor of Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda.

Ennahda managed to maintain its seats in Tunisia’s Assembly of the Representatives of the People, the legislative branch of government, where it has 69 of 216 seats. That contrasts with the Nidaa Tounes Party that suffered losses. Ennahda also managed to achieve its goal of neutralizing the major ministries of Interior, Justice, Defense and Foreign Affairs whose ministers under Habib Essid’s government – Hédi Majdoub, Ghazi Jeribi, Farhat Horchani and Khemaies Jhinaoui respectively – have remained unchanged.

Scoring goals

Observers believe that Ennahda’s success in imposing its strategy will tighten its grip on government and will ensure that sensitive files, such as the political assassinations, will not be opened.

Left opposition parties hold Ennahda politically liable for the assassination of prominent opponents, like Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi. Ennahda, however, has repeatedly denied such accusations.

With Jhinaoui retaining his position as Foreign Minister, Ennahda has ensured it will sustain its soft diplomacy, in line with its policies, particularly in relations with Syria.

Ennahda’s leaders expressed their satisfaction with the new government. “We have achieved our ambitions,” said Meherzia Labidi, an ARP Member for Ennahda. “Most of our proposed figures have been approved.”

Nonetheless, some Ennhda sources expressed their disappointment that their party doesn’t have more clout within the ARP and the party seems unsatisfied with the appointment of some opposition figures in the government, including Minister of Agriculture Samir Taïeb who is SDP head. Before the new government formation was declared in late August, Ennahda pressured Youssef Chahed to reconsider some ministerial appointments, but he declined.

But at the end of the day, Ennahda well represented in the new government. It has proved that it has a reservoir of young and capable talent, as illustrated by the appointment of young ministers, such as Ladhari and Maarouf as well as Imed Hammami who has become Minister of Employment.