Najla Bouden, the Prime Minister entrusted with forming the government in Tunisia, has not disappointed expectations that suggested women's representation would dominate the anticipated ministerial positions. On Saturday, the newly appointed Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden announced that, for the first time, the representation of women in the new Tunisian government would exceed 50 percent. Bouden mentioned in a post on her Facebook page that the government would consist of female expertise and youth capable of making a difference during this difficult period the country is experiencing.
Tunisian observers believe that since Najla Bouden is the first Arab woman to hold the position of Prime Minister, she will ensure that the government formation includes surprises as significant as her own appointment to the position, despite her distance from direct political work.
**Women and Youth**
Maryam Elghomani, an independent member of the Tunisian Parliament, expressed her expectation that Najla Bouden's forthcoming government would feature an equal representation of youth and women. In a special interview with Sky News Arabia, Elghomani stated, "Today, we bet on a new Tunisia with greater representation for youth within all state structures." Regarding women's representation in the new government formation, she stated that this is not a new issue but rather a longstanding Tunisian tradition, and she hopes the number of women in the government formation increases, especially in crucial positions.
Elghomani expressed her wish for Najla Bouden to appoint female personalities to lead sovereign departments such as justice and interior, emphasizing her confidence in the capabilities of Tunisian women to manage these important and sensitive ministries efficiently. She praised the choice of Najla Bouden as Prime Minister, stating, "Choosing Najla Bouden as the first female Prime Minister in Tunisia and the Arab world is not only a positive message for the internal Tunisian situation, which has begun to feel restless due to the void and lack of clarity, but it is also a significant message to the outside world. I wish her success."
**Challenges for the New Government**
Observers in Tunisia who spoke to Sky News Arabia noted that Najla Bouden faces a significant challenge in demonstrating the ability of Tunisian women to hold high positions and in showcasing the required competence to manage the transitional phase, which is expected to witness political reforms. Bouden's lack of affiliation with any political party in Tunisia enhances her chances of successfully forming a consensual government. According to the measures announced by the Tunisian president on September 22, she will propose the names of the ministers, while the final decision remains with the president.
Before Bouden was appointed to form the government, estimates indicated that the Tunisian president would likely choose Minister Nadia Okacha, who was his office director and chief advisor, but the president's selection of a geology professor, who is distanced from political work, contradicted those expectations.
**No Place for Corruption**
Othman Jrayou, the campaign manager for President Kais Saied, explained that the primary criterion for selecting ministers in the new government is not whether the candidate is male or female, but rather loyalty to Tunisia alone, excluding corrupt individuals and those who rushed for positions for personal interests in the past. Jrayou said, in a special interview with Sky News Arabia, that no person pursuing personal goals will hold any ministry, especially the sovereign ones, during this exceptional period.
He added that "the Tunisian president bears no animosity towards any citizen and stands with the people, but anyone involved in corruption is being monitored by the president. The citizens who protested against corruption and external agendas are the ones the president relied on for his decisions last July." Jrayou pointed out that Kais Saied would not succumb to any party trying to gain at the expense of its citizens, and he would not back down from attempts at extortion aimed at obstructing the reform measures he is taking following the suspension of parliament and the government.
