Tunis, Jan 29 (IANS): Tunisia's Prime Minister-designate Mehdi Jemaa was voted into office overnight Tuesday after a long day of discussions and questioning from members of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA).
The new government required a simple majority to be voted into office. However, it would need three-fifths to be dismissed by a vote of no confidence. Jemaa has won 149 votes.
The new cabinet includes 21 ministers and seven state secretaries or deputy minister, Xinhua reported.
Among the incumbent ministers, Interior Minister Lotfi Ben Jeddou was the only one to be retained in the new cabinet, though some opposition members wanted him out.
Jemaa called on all members and Tunisian people to support him in his mission.
He reiterated that improving the security situation and reviving the economy in Tunisia will be the main goals of his caretaker government.