Tunisia party split will deepen political turbulence

Abstract

Significance The deputies who have left are loyal to Mohsen Marzouk, the party's secretary-general, who has lost ground in recent months to Hafedh Caid Essebsi, the ambitious son of the party founder and Tunisian president, Beji Caid Essebsi. The split leaves the Islamist movement Ennahda, which until now has had only a minor role in the governing coalition, as the largest party in parliament. Impacts Mediators will try to reconcile differences within the party. Political crisis will interrupt urgent legislative and economic reforms once again. Tunisia's political map is being shaken up, with new opportunities for both Islamists and leftists. Nidaa's internal crisis could be a chance to build a more dynamic cabinet.