Tunisia: Prime Minister Resigns over Tender Scandal

Tunisia’s prime minister, Elyes el-Fakhfakh, has quit following accusations of corruption stemming from a huge financial scandal.

Sources claim that the 47-year-old statesman held shares in several private companies which were awarded state tenders worth $15 million.

The huge conflict of interests resulted in his resignation on Wednesday morning, 15 July.

El-Fakhfakh has denied the allegations of corruption, but intense pressure from members of parliament over the past week forced him into stating that he would step down should the ongoing investigation produce any wrongdoing.

A statement from the office of the prime minister described his letter of resignation to President Kais Saied as serving national interests.

His tenure was less than six months, marking the shortest time held in the office of the Tunisian government.

It is expected that Saied will announce a new prime minister by the end of next week.

Image Credit: Source