TUNIS: Tunisia’s two main parties on Thursday gave parliamentary backing to Prime Minister Youssef Chahed’s new Cabinet, handing him the initiative to push sensitive economic reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund.
Chahed’s Cabinet needs strong support to reform public sector wages and overhaul the pension system to improve national finances. Infighting and social protests have kept past governments from pushing through tougher austerity reforms.
Chahed on Wednesday named 13 new ministers including heads of the interior, defense and finance ministries. He appointed Taoufik Rajhi, one of his advisers from the Ennahda party, to a new Economic Reforms Ministry in a deal that ends weeks of party infighting over posts.
Rached Ghannouchi, the head of Ennahda party, called his 69 lawmakers in Parliament to give a vote of confidence to the coalition government which includes ruling Nidaa Tounes, Machroua Tounes, the Republican and Massar parties.
The new Cabinet also includes independents and former ministers who worked with ex-President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, ousted by a popular uprising in 2011.
Ennahda won four important ministries, including the new Ministry of Economic Reforms. Nidaa Tounes led by the son of President Beji Caid Essesbi welcomed the reshuffle in which his party secured six new posts and other junior portfolios.
“This reshuffle maintained political balances, boosted the political weight of our party, we will give our confidence to the new team,” Sofian Tobal an official in Nidaa Tounes said.
Backing from the two main parties means Chahed’s government can expect support from at least 150 lawmakers in the 217-seat Parliament. Ennahda and Nidaa Tounes have more than 130 seats between them plus the support of smaller parties. Chahed’s Cabinet needs 109 votes to win a confidence ballot.
“This government would be like a war Cabinet, in a war against the corruption, against rampant unemployment and a war to save the economy,” Chahed said on Wednesday.
He has said he will present Parliament with a comprehensive plan to push the economy forward, including accelerating the coordination of public-private partnerships and proposing more incentives to investors.
“We will confront the imbalance in public finances, adjust the trade balance and improve the situation of public institutions that are facing difficulties, as well progress on major priority reforms,” he said.
Tunisia is struggling to revive its economy and create jobs for frustrated youth. But it is under pressure to reduce deficits by stopping public sector hiring, laying off thousands of state employees and selling shares in some troubled public institutions.
Reforms are also expected to include cuts in subsidies for energy and some basic materials, which would be highly sensitive and rejected by Tunisia strong unions who have in the past played the role of political power brokers.
Tunisia’s new government gets party backing for reform push
Tunisia’s new government gets party backing for reform push
Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
- Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
- Emirates says regional airspace closures cause disruption to several of its flights
RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.
Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace. The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities. Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings. The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.
بيان رسمي من #الخطوط_السعودية pic.twitter.com/CHfjKj9yLX
— Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية (@SaudiaGroup) February 28, 2026
Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures. The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center. Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.” The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required. Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to…
Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights. The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates said it adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities. The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) February 28, 2026
Emirates urges customers to check https://t.co/Ucm3UswfVh and https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
We are actively monitoring… pic.twitter.com/SLDC7iNaUN
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens. It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.
Temporary Suspension of Qatar Airways Flights due to Qatari Airspace Closure
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 28, 2026
Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the…
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.
Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.
