Tunisia's president says PM should quit if crisis continues

Tunisia's Prime Minister Youssef Chahed speaks at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia September 11, 2017. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisia's president called on Sunday for Prime Minister Youssef Chahed to step down or seek a confidence quote if the country's political and economic crisis continues, withdrawing his support for the premier, who has clashed with the president's son.

President Beji Caid Essebsi's son, Hafedh Caid Essebsi, who is leader of the ruling Nidaa Tounes party, called last May for Chahed's dismissal because of his government's failure to revive the economy. His call was supported by the powerful UGTT union, which rejected economic reforms proposed by the prime minister.