EPA

Tunisia's parliament has approved the new government formed by Prime Minister-designate Hichem Mechichi.

Mr Mechichi appointed technocrats in his government as opposed to members of political parties as has been the case in the past.

Political parties had initially expressed mixed reactions to the selection of technocrats.

The parliamentarians voted 134 for and 67 against forming the government, according to Reuters news agency.

Mr Mechichi in his speech in parliament on Tuesday said the new government would address the economic and social situation at a time of political instability.

This is Tunisia's third government since the parliamentary election in October last year.