Modbert
Daydream Believer
- Sep 2, 2008
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A revolution is currently going on in Tunisia as the dictatorship is being overthrown by Pro-Democracy forces.
PM replaces Tunisia president - Africa - Al Jazeera English
Tunisia riots: President Ben Ali flees as chaos hits country - Telegraph
PM replaces Tunisia president - Africa - Al Jazeera English
Tunisia's long-standing president has left the country amid violent protests and the prime minister has taken over control of the government.
"Since the president [Zine El Abidine Ben Ali] is temporarily unable to exercise his duties, it has been decided that the prime minister will exercise temporarily the [presidential] duties," Mohammed Ghannouchi, the Tunisian prime minister, said on state television.
Ghannouchi is now the interim president. He cited chapter 56 of the Tunisian constitution as the article by which he was assuming power.
Friday's developments come following weeks of violent clashes across the country over unemployment and rising food prices.
Tunisia riots: President Ben Ali flees as chaos hits country - Telegraph
Mohammed Ghannouchi, the prime minister, announced he was taking over as acting president as the army moved in to seize control of the main airport in the capital Tunis.
The collapse of the 23-year dictatorship, the first ever collapse of an Arab leader to a "people power" uprising, was met nervously by Tunisia's allies.
Demonstrators ignored a curfew, and took no notice of a promise by Mr Ben Ali that night not to seek a sixth term of office in 2014. Instead of returning home, they took to the streets and the roof-tops, even of government buildings and the interior ministry, hurling stones at symbols of authority.
The police struck back. According to one report another 13 people were shot dead, bringing the total killed to almost 80 by one count by human rights groups. Tear gas floated over the city.