WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, on Wednesday released the following statement on the President of Tunisia’s appointment of a new Prime Minister:

“President Saied’s decision to name a prime minister is an important first step in getting Tunisia back on the democratic path. I look forward to PM-designate Najla Bouden appointing a full cabinet to help tackle the serious challenges the country is facing, but that new government should also be overseen by elected legislators. ln the continued absence of parliamentary oversight, it’s important that any new electoral or constitutional reforms reflect the will of the Tunisian people,” said Murphy.

Murphy authored an op-ed calling for calling for the U.S. to reconsider our security assistance package to Tunisia following news that President Saied declared his intention to suspend parts of the constitution. Murphy also led a CODEL to Tunisia earlier this month, where he spoke directly with President Saied and urged him to recommit Tunisia to democracy. Last month, Murphy also released a statement calling on President Saied to end the country’s state of emergency.

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