Members of Tunisia's ruling Ennahda Party are blasting a plan by their party chief and prime minister to dismiss the government.

 

　　Prime Minister Hamdi Jebali has decided to form a technocrat government in the wake of massive demonstrations following the assassination of a leading opposition figure.

 

　　"I have decided to form a government whose parties do not belong to any political affiliation. A government which works for the interest of the nation and whose mission is to run the country until the elections take place."

 

　　A spokesperson for the Ennahda party says its members had not been informed of the prime minister's decision before he announced it.

 

　　Tunisia's main opposition parties are also rebuffing any step toward a government of technocrats.

 

　　Meanwhile, the authorities in Tunisia are reporting 8 more people have been hurt in clashes connected to the assassination Chokri Belaid.

 

　　Mass demonstrations have been taking place across Tunisia against the Ennahda Party, which many in Tunisia accuse of plotting Belaid's assassination.

 

　　Belaid, an outspoken critic of the current government, was shot and killed outside his home by unknown gunmen on Wednesday.

 

　　Ennahda is denying any involvement in the killing.