US calls on Tunisia’s Saied to appoint PM, restore democracy

US envoy conveys Biden administration’s desire to see new prime minister appointed to stabilise Tunisia’s weak economy.

The United States deputy national security adviser has met Tunisia’s president and discussed the urgent need to appoint a prime minister-designate to form a capable government, the White House said. The adviser, Jonathan Finer, delivered a message to President Kais Saied on Friday from US President Joe Biden, “reaffirming his personal support, and that of the Biden-Harris Administration, for the Tunisian people and urging a swift return to the path of Tunisia’s parliamentary democracy”, the statement said. Finer travelled to Tunis with US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood, it said.