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July 26, 2021

Tunisia's President Sacks Prime Minister, Suspends Parliament Following Protests
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The president of Tunisia dismissed the prime minister and suspended
parliament Sunday, announcing he would take on executive power with the
assistance of a new prime minister. The move came following major
protests across Tunisia against the ruling Ennahda party. This is a
protester speaking just hours before the president's announcement.

Hammemi Ahmed: "The main demand is that the Ennahda Movement, which
ruled for 10 years and did not provide us with solutions, leave the
parliament. As a young man in 2011, I called for jobs, freedom and
national dignity. And in 2021, I still call for jobs, freedom and
national dignity."

Police released tear gas on crowds after they poured into the streets to
celebrate the news, as some members of parliament and others accused the
president of launching a state coup. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera is reporting
police raided their Tunis office earlier today, expelling all the staff
and confiscating equipment.


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