Tunisia Protests Call for Ruling Party to Leave

17 January 2011

A tank guards the center of Tunis, 16 Jan. 2011. Tunisia sped toward a new future after its iron-fisted leader fled, with an interim president sworn in and ordering the country's first multiparty government to be formed.

Even before the names of the interim government were announced, Tunisians were on the streets calling for its ouster. The protesters chanting, "Go people, out with the dictatorship!" calling for the ruling RDC Party of ex-president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali to leave.

Protesters chanted on the main Habib Bourguiba Boulevard in front of riot police and soldiers manning tanks, their guns at the ready. There were sounds of gunfire and helicopters flying overhead for a fourth day in a row.

Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, a vestige of the old government, is expected to name an interim Cabinet to take charge until elections, promised within two months. According to reports, a few members of the opposition are to be included, but will not occupy key portfolios such as the foreign or interior ministries.

Protesters like 23-year-old Alem want all the old guard out.

"The government should be another form, not this form. It should be a saving government" Alem said.

The protesters include people of all ages, like 46-year-old Lamia who worked at the Tunisian Finance Ministry, which was closed following the weekend riots and protests.