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A New Tunisian Cabinet that Promises Smooth Transition

26 January, 2011 05:16:00 Arezki Daoud

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A consensus has finally emerged that gives the Tunisians a historical opportunity to manage a smooth transition. After coming under intense criticism for having selected key ministers of the defunct regime, Prime Minister Ghannouchi announced a new cabinet formation that has only two junior ministers from the previous regime.

In addition to Ghannouchi himself, the two ministers in question are Mohamed Nouri Jouini of planning and international cooperation and Mohamed Afif Chelbi, of industry and technology. For many, Ghannouchi’s presence is necessary to orchestrate the transition as smoothly as possible with the approval of the powerful UGTT labor union.

The new transition government is in place until a permanent solution is found after a series of elections. The cabinet comprises of 22 officials, including Premier Ghannouchi with most of the others being independent technocrats.

1- Prime Minister: Mohamed Ghannouchi
2 - Minister of Defense: Abdelkarim Zebidi
3 - Minister of foreign affairs: Ahmed Ouneies
4 - Minister of the Interior: Farhat Rajhi
5 - Minister of Justice: Lazhar Karoui Chebbi (independent, was in earlier cabinet)
6 - Minister of Religious Affairs: Laroussi Mizouri (independent, was in earlier cabinet)
7 - Minister of regional and local development: Ahmed Nejib Chebbi (head of PDP, was in earlier cabinet)
8 - Minister of Education: Taieb Baccouch (Independent trade unionist, was in earlier cabinet)
9 - Minister of high education and scientific research: Ahmed Brahim (Head of Ettajdid party, was in earlier cabinet)
10 - Minister of public health : Ms. Habiba Zehi
11 - Minister of commerce and Tourism: Mehdi Houas
12 - Minister of social affairs: Mohamed Naceur
13 - Minister of agriculture and the environment: Mokhtar Jalleli
14 - Minister of planning and international cooperation: Mohamed Nouri Jouini (Former Ben Ali minister)
15 - Minister industry and technology: Mohamed Afif Chelbi (Former Ben Ali minister)
16 - Minister of finance: Jelloul Ayed
17 - Minister of cultural affairs: Ezzedine Bach Chaouech
18 - Minister of women affairs: Ms. Lilia Laabidi
19 - Minister of transport and equipment: Yacine Ibrahim
20 - Minister of labor and training: Said Aydi
21 - Minister of youth and sports: Mohamed Aloulou
22 - Minister in charge of social and economic reforms: Elyes Jouini