New Tunisian president sworn-in
- 12 years ago
In Tunisia's parliament, a new president is sworn-in.
Secularist Moncef Marzouki will serve under the recently elected Islamist government.
The 66-year-old was imprisoned for opposing former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali's regime, and many are heralding his election as another step for the revolution that toppled the former leader.
But some opposition lawmakers cast blank ballots to protest the Islamist leadership they fear will reverse revolution gains.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MOHAMED BRAHMI, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CHAAB MOVEMENT, SAYING:
"We object to the manner and to the scene as a whole. We hope to elect a president with full authority and we wish to see the president of Tunisia free from captivity, but unfortunately we find the president of Tunisia is a hostage."
Marzouki will serve for a year until a new constitution is drafted and elections are held.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
Secularist Moncef Marzouki will serve under the recently elected Islamist government.
The 66-year-old was imprisoned for opposing former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali's regime, and many are heralding his election as another step for the revolution that toppled the former leader.
But some opposition lawmakers cast blank ballots to protest the Islamist leadership they fear will reverse revolution gains.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MOHAMED BRAHMI, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CHAAB MOVEMENT, SAYING:
"We object to the manner and to the scene as a whole. We hope to elect a president with full authority and we wish to see the president of Tunisia free from captivity, but unfortunately we find the president of Tunisia is a hostage."
Marzouki will serve for a year until a new constitution is drafted and elections are held.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters