The interim administration

An eclectic mix in Tunisia's transitional government

On 17 January, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi named a new interim unity government in Tunisia. The 19 ministers include six members of ex-president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s cabinet, three opposition leaders and 10 independents. Below are details on some of the key figures named in the transitional administration.

Issued on: 17/01/2011 - 19:40Modified: 18/01/2011 - 00:12

By: RFI Follow

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Prime Minister: Made a member of cabinet when Ben Ali came to power in 1987, 69-year-old Mohammed Ghannouchi served as minister for finance and minister for international cooperation and investment. He was appointed Prime Minister in November 1999.

Foreign Minister: Another member of Ben Ali’s Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) to stay in government, Kamal Morjane has been reappointed to his previous role.

Interior Minister: Originally appointed last week as Ben Ali tried to appease the protest movement, Ahmed Friaa will retain his role in the new administration

Finance Minister Mohamed Jegham and Defence Minister Ridha Grira are two other key RCD members that stay in their posts.

Key opposition leaders and independents appointed to government:

Health Minister: A doctor by profession, 70-year-old Mustafa Ben Jaafar is secretary-general of the Democratic Forum for Work and Liberties.

Education Minister: A 65-year-old retired French teacher, Ahmad Ibrahim is secretary-general of Ettajdid, a leftist movement that grew out of the Communist Party.

Minister of Local Development: The founder of the biggest legalised opposition party, the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), 66-year-old lawyer Nejib Chebbi went on hunger strike in the past to protest against Ben Ali’s regime.

Two women have been appointed to the cabinet. Moufida Tlatli will be the Culture Minister and Lilia Labidi will become Minister for Women’s Affairs.