Tunisia's new cabinet sworn in after approval from parliament

Tunisia's new national unity government was sworn in on Saturday before President Beji Caid Essebsi, after approval from parliament.

The government, headed by Youssef Chahed, 40, is composed of 26 ministers and 14 secretaries of state.

The new prime minister is a member of the president's Nidaa Tounes party.

It is the first time for Tunisia to unite liberals, Islamists, nationalists, figures from the left wing and independents.

Late Friday, parliament approved the cabinet line-up, with 168 out 195 lawmakers who attended the session voting in favour, 22 against and five abstaining.

The new cabinet will take up office on Monday after a hand-over ceremony from outgoing premier Habib Essid.

Source : XINHUA