Political wrangling within Tunisia's leading party points to power struggle

Whoever takes over Tunisia’s leadership eight years after the revolution will face an array of challenges, not least addressing the long-held grievances of much of the population and safeguarding the country’s democratic gains.
Nidaa Tounes party leader Hafedh Caid Essebsi (C) arrives to attend a ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of Tunisian independence, at Carthage Palace on the outskirts of the capital Tunis on March 20, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / FETHI BELAID (Photo credit should read FETHI BELAID/AFP/Getty Images)
Nidaa Tunis party leader Hafedh Caid Essebsi (C) arrives to attend a ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of Tunisian independence, at Carthage Palace, Tunis, Tunisia, March 20, 2018. - FETHI BELAID/AFP/Getty Images
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Stephen Quillen
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TUNIS, Tunisia — Infighting within Tunisia’s leading political party has pitted the prime minister against the president’s son in a burgeoning power struggle ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections next year.

Tensions flared up when Hafez Caid Essebsi, executive director of Nidaa Tounes and son of President Beji Caid Essebsi, called for the dismissal of Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, also of Nidaa Tounes, saying he has failed to reverse years of economic downturn.

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