The countdown to the fourth and final interim government within Tunisia’s arduous transition was launched on Christmas Day, as newly nominated Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa was given a two-week period, starting Dec. 25, to form an independent and nonpartisan government.

The timeline was part of a “near-consensus” agreement reached by political parties within the “national dialogue” and carried out under the aegis of the trade unions. The clinched deal provided for the adoption of a new constitution, the setting up of an independent electoral body and the formation of a new independent government before the “third anniversary of the revolution” on Jan. 14, 2014.

Just a few weeks before, this multitrack game plan would have been deemed a tall order. But ever since the agreement to nominate Jomaa, the turbulence of previous months has given way to an unusual smooth sailing. After months of dire predictions premised on the country’s deteriorating economic situation, mounting terrorism and dangerous political polarization, a tinge of cautious optimism is in the air.

What has happened to produce such a turnaround? There was the obvious sense of relief over the breakthrough in the “national dialogue.” Previous inability to reach an agreement had brought Tunisians close to a collective nervous breakdown. According to Tunisian pollster Hassen Zargouni, more than 60% of Tunisians are now optimistic about the success of the new head of government. There was also the profile of the nominee. While all previous political candidates stumbled on rejection by one party or the other, Jomaa enjoyed the benefit of the doubt. He stood out as a fresh face not marked by the past or by political polarization.