Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed a new prime minister on 29 September, two months after effectively taking control of the country (MEES, 30 July). Najla Bouden Romdhane is Tunisia’s first female PM, but her powers as head of the government will be severely restricted under Mr Saied’s new Tunisia. The president has announced he will rule by decree. Political reforms? They appear set to be dictated by Mr Saied.

Much of the country’s political establishment, several civil society organizations and the country’s powerful UGTT labor union oppose the president’s takeover. But Mr Saied argues his moves are necessary to rescue Tunisia from a decade of economic malaise. Most Tunisians are said to support the president’s actions.  (CONTINUED - 120 WORDS)