Tunisian lawmakers voted on Saturday to dismiss Prime Minister Habib Essid from office during a no-confidence ballot in parliament, clearing the way for a new government that must push through delayed economic reforms. Essid, a technocrat in office less than two years, had been under fire for a lack of progress on a financial reforms package to create growth and jobs. President Beji Caid Essebsi also called for a new unity government to speed up reforms. Out of the 191 lawmakers present for the vote, 118 voted to sack Essid. Only three supported him and others abstained. A new premier will likely be named after negotiations within the ruling coalition of four major parties. That may include a change in cabinet with a new prime minister. Essid had earlier this year clashed with President Beji Caid Essebsi, who had called for a new unity government to overcome political divisions in the ruling coalition and respond more quickly to economic and security challenges. Since its 2011, Tunisia has emerged as a democracy praised as a model for the region. But militant attacks have tested the government and political infighting has slowed economic progress. Essebsi has said the country needs a more dynamic government ready to take audacious decisions to bring about the liberalization and cost-cutting required for an overhaul of the North African state's economy. Three militant attacks last year — including gun attacks on foreign visitors at a museum and a beach resort — have badly damaged the tourism industry, which makes up around 8 percent of the economy and is a major source of jobs.
