Tunisia’s parliament speaker sworn in as interim president following the death of President Essebsi

Mohamed Ennaceur, Tunisia’s parliamentary speaker, has been sworn in as the country’s interim president.

The appointment of the interim president comes just hours after the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi.

Ennaceur took the oath of office at the assembly in the capital Tunis, the agency said. According to the Tunisian constitution, the head of the parliament can temporarily serve as president for a maximum period of 90 days.  

Following Ennaceur’s statement on national television, the country’s ministry of interior said that Tunisia’s security situation is stable and that the ministry is carrying out its national duty. The country will hold presidential elections ahead of the previously scheduled November 17 date.