Tunisian PM bats off resignation rumours amid cash crunch

Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi confirmed on Tuesday that his government's resignation was not on the cards and his priority was to save the country from a political and economic crisis.

Mechichi told Shams FM he was aware certain politicians expected his resignation but said he has a duty leading the cabinet and will not step down.

"Whoever talks about my resignation does not know me, I am a responsible person and I bear my responsibility," he said.

When asked about the possibility of forming a new government, he said the current cabinet will remain in place but is open to dialogue.

"I have modified the cabinet, and what's done is done, and to solve this problem we need to talk," he said.

Tunisia is in political deadlock due to deepening divisions between the presidency, the premiership, and the parliament.

President Kais Saied had refused Mechichi's government reshuffle, which in turn was approved by the legislator.

Local media had previously reported that Saied also wanted early presidential and legislative elections to be held after putting constitutional and electoral reforms to a referendum.

As well as the political crisis, Tunisia is facing a fourth wave of Covid-19 as it records hundreds of cases daily, battering its already weakened tourism sector vital to its economy.