MB gets cabinet positions to support Tunisian government

Doaa Emam

Tunisia’s Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh has appointed two members of the Muslim Brotherhood’s arm in Tunisia, Ennahda Movement, as cabinet consultants. The new appointments have raised a number of questions about their qualifications as cabinet consultants, given that these positions will cost the state thousands of dollars per month.

Ennahda Movement’s leaders Emad al Hamami and Osama bin Salem were appointed as an advisor to the prime minister and a cabinet consultant respectively. The appointments have triggered controversy and public criticism as the two men lack competence and qualifications required for the positions.

A number of consultant and commissioner appointments were made over the past months, sparking public controversy and criticism about their legality on the back of the country’s economic turmoil and social crisis.

Tunisians consider the appointments to be inopportune and a waste of public funds, citing that these appointments were biased and partisan and not made on merit or good qualifications.

According to leaks released by Tunisian News website, the two appointments were stipulated by the Tunisian Muslim Brotherhood in exchange for a vote of confidence for Elyes Fakhfakh-led cabinet.

The new advisers are accused of receiving funds from Qatar and Turkey to promote the Islamist groups involved in terrorism as well as Ennahda Movement and its leader, Rached Ghannouchi.

In December, Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi appointed a number of consultants, triggering anger inside the parliament.

Tunisian activist Raja bin Salama said that such appointments affirm Ennahda Movement’s endeavors for high-level job opportunities for its leaders.

The activist added that Rached Ghannouchi had empowered those who were not elected as MPs to join the cabinet and to benefit from privileges of high positions and salaries.