TUNIS, Tunisia — The Nidaa Tunis Party, which Prime Minister Youssef Chahed belongs to and which is one of the primary partners in the ruling coalition, released a statement May 29 saying that Chahed’s current government foresees a political crisis.

In the statement, Nidaa Tunis criticized those who oppose a government reshuffle by saying they are "looking out for the national interest and stability.” The party was referring to its partner in rule — Ennahda — whose head, Rached Ghannouchi, said May 28, “Maintaining the current government ensures stability for Tunisia.” 

In a meeting held May 22 in Carthage Palace and led by President Beji Caid Essebsi, Nidaa Tunis, the Free Patriotic Union, the Tunisian General Labor Union and the National Union for Tunisian Women (a Tunisian organization addressing women’s affairs) called for comprehensive governmental change, including replacing Chahed as prime minister. Meanwhile, Ennahda, the National Destourian Initiative, the Social Democratic Path and the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fishery labor organization demanded only partial change in government that would keep Chahed as prime minister.

Samira al-Shawashi, a leader of the Free Patriotic Union, told the private Tunisian station Mosaique FM on May 25 that her party wants the government changed. She said everybody except for Ennahda agreed on the importance of a deep governmental change that includes all ministries and their heads.