Tripoli — The former mayor of Tajoura, Husien Ben Atia, lashed out at the ministerial reshuffles planned by the Government of National Unity, calling them “absurdity amidst chaos” and a blatant disregard for the political agreement that brought the government to power.
In a post on his Facebook page, Ben Atia said any cabinet changes by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh are merely an attempt to “shuffle the cards” and will lead the country toward further collapse. Ben Atia backed the recent stance of Presidential Council President Mohamed al-Menfi, noting that the only solution to the current crisis is urgent change based on previous agreements. He added that the only other option for Libyans is to take to the streets to change the “miserable existing situation.”
Separately, an official letter from Al-Menfi revealed a categorical rejection of Dbeibeh’s reshuffles, describing them as a violation of the political agreement. Al-Menfi warned that the government could lose its legitimacy and legally become a “caretaker government” if ministerial vacancies reach one-third or one-half of the cabinet.
Al-Menfi stressed that ministers derive their confidence from legislative authorities and any changes to the government structure must follow constitutional texts. He also noted that consultation with the Presidential Council is mandatory for the defense and foreign affairs portfolios. This position aligns with Ben Atia’s warnings against unilateral moves that could drive the nation deeper into instability.