Call to disband new Tunisian cabinet

TUNISIA’S transitional government faced immediate calls to disband yesterday as it met for the first time amid protests over the inclusion of ex-ruling party members.

The cabinet of interim president Foued Mebazaa is tasked with ushering in presidential and parliamentary elections within six months, following the overthrow of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali who fled to Saudi Arabia last Friday following weeks of popular unrest.

But critics denounced the line-up for including ministers loyal to the Ben Ali regime and street protests swelled yesterday demanding the cabinet resign.

“The people want the government to be fired,” shouted protesters outside the offices of the Ben Ali’s Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD), carrying placards that read “We are not afraid of you any more, traitors” and “RCD Out”.

Troops fired warning shots to deter demonstrators from climbing over walls and forcing their way into the offices.