Tunisia PM's resignation sparks new political crisis
Prior to stepping down, Elyes Fakhfakh was under investigation for conflict of interest violations.
Just five months after taking office, Tunisian Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh resigned today following pressure from the leading party in his coalition.
Fakhfakh submitted his resignation to President Kais Saied, who now has two weeks to nominate a replacement. The prime minister-designate will then be tasked with forming a new government and getting parliamentary approval within two months.
The former finance minister leaves office amid a tense relationship with the Islamist-inspired Ennahda, the biggest party in Tunisia's parliament. Citing corruption allegations against Fakhfakh, lawmakers from Ennahda and three other political parties today filed a formal no-confidence motion against the premier.
Fakhfakh, who took office in February, is under investigation for alleged conflict of interest. Leaked documents last month indicated he owned shares in private companies that were awarded $15 million worth of public contracts.
