TUNIS: Tunisia’s president on Wednesday named geologist Najla Bouden as the country’s first ever female prime minister-designate, to form a government with limited executive clout after the president seized wide-ranging powers two months ago.

Bouden, a university lecturer and political unknown, will take office after President Kais Saied on July 25 sacked the government of Hichem Mechichi, suspended parliament, lifted MPs’ immunity and took over the judiciary.

His moves followed months of political deadlock in the face of a pressing economic crisis.

While some Tunisians have supported his decisions against a reviled political class, he has faced repeated calls to name a government.

On Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to Saied, where she stressed that “a return to parliamentary democracy in dialogue with all political actors is essential”, her office said in a statement.

Last week, Saied extended the suspension of parliament and moved to rule by decree.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2021