TUNISIA named its first female prime minister today after the head of state sacked her predecessor and suspended parliament in a total political overhaul.

Najla Bouden Ramadhane, a 63-year-old professor, becomes one of the first women in the Arab world to hold such a senior position.

President Kais Saied appointed Ms Ramadhane to the post in a surprise decision and instructed her to create a new cabinet as soon as possible, according to a statement from his office.

Tunisia has been without a head of government since Mr Saied froze the country’s parliament and seized executive powers on July 25. His move sidelined the Islamist party that had dominated parliament, and critics denounced the president’s actions as a coup.

Mr Saied, however, said he had acted to save the country amid unrest over financial troubles and the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, he issued presidential decrees bolstering his already near-total power and announced plans for a transitional government and new electoral rules.