Prime Minister of Tunisia temporarily takes over power

Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mohamed al-Ghannouchi, has proclaimed
himself head of state due to “the temporary disability of the
president to fulfill his mandate.” The premier has delivered a speech
to the nation on national TV, RIA Novosti reports.

In his speech, he urged citizens to remain calm and promised to act
“in strict compliance with the constitution, as well as to implement
democratic reforms.”

The Tunisian President, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, recently left the
country, and power has passed into the hands of the Tunisian army.

On Friday, massive riots in Tunisia of an anti-governmental and
anti-presidential character swept the country. The wave of popular
discontent with poor social conditions, rampant corruption and
unemployment started in Tunisia in mid-December 2010. Since that time
at least 67 people have been killed in riots and several hundred
wounded and injured.