Tunisia’s parliament was gathered on Saturday for a vote of confidence that could see Prime Minister Habib Essid unseated after just a year and a half in office.

Essid’s government has been widely criticized for failing to tackle the country’s economic crisis, high unemployment and a series of terrorist attacks.

“I’m quite aware that the vote will be against me,” Essid, 67, told parliament ahead of the planned vote.

“I didn’t come to obtain the 109 votes (needed to remain in office). I came to expose things to the people and to members of parliament,” he said.

Essid has been under growing pressure since President Beji Caid Essebsi appeared on local TV in June to slam the administration and propose creating a new government of national unity.

The premier said he would be ready to resign “if the country’s interest demanded it”, but has said he refused to leave under pressure without a vote of confidence.

If Essid loses the vote, Essebsi would be required to choose the “most suitable person” to form a new government.

Source: AFP