After the Arab uprisings in 2011, Tunisia was the only country in the region to make the transition to democracy.
But unemployment, corruption and the pandemic leave many Tunisians in doubt.
Tunis - Tunisia's President Kais Saied has removed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi from his post in a surprising move and suspended the work of parliament for the time being.
Saied announced on Sunday evening after a crisis meeting with representatives of the military and security authorities that he himself would take over the business of government together with a new prime minister.
In addition, the immunity of all MPs will be lifted.
Months of power struggle
“We are experiencing one of the most sensitive moments in Tunisian history.
It is indeed the most dangerous minutes, ”Saied said in a short address.
He could be seen at the head of a conference table, together with the military and officials.
"We are working within the legal framework," said Saied.
A power struggle has been going on for months between the former law professor Saied and Mechichi and parliament.
Pandemic plays a role
The announcements follow protests critical of the government in several parts of the country due to the sharp rise in the number of corona cases and an ongoing economic crisis.
The demonstrators called for the resignation of the government and the dissolution of parliament.
Tunisia is currently experiencing a sharp increase in the number of corona cases.
So far, 555,000 corona infections and around 18,000 deaths have been reported.
The vaccinations are making slow progress.
Democracy with starting difficulties
The Islamic conservative Ennahda, the largest party in the country, spoke of a "coup" on Sunday evening.
The Tunisians would defend the success of their “revolution”, Ennahda boss Rached Ghannouchi announced on Facebook - apparently in relation to the Arab uprisings of 2011. Saied, on the other hand, stated that the steps he had announced were within the legal framework of the constitution.
Since the Arab uprisings of 2011, the country has been the only country in the region to make the transition to democracy.
However, it continues to struggle with an economic crisis, high unemployment and widespread corruption.
Many Tunisians have lost confidence in the ruling elite.
dpa