Street vendor's death sparks fears of mass protests

The self-immolation of another man in 2010 sparked protests over dire economic conditions and authoritarian leaders that engulfed much of the Arab world.

Adel Khedhri set himself alight on Tuesday on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis which served as a focal point for Tunisia's Arab spring demonstrations.

The 27-year-old died today morning after suffering from 90 per cent burns.

Witnesses said he shouted: "This is a young man who sells cigarettes because of unemployment," before self-immolating.

Mr Khedhri was reportedly from a poor town in the country's north-west who was struggling to support his mother and siblings.

Parliamentary speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar said the incident showed the "desperation" of people in Tunisia.

MPs voted 139-45 in favour of the new government of Ali Larayedh today with 13 abstentions.

Previous prime minister Hamadi Jebali was forced to resign after widespread protests over the murder of leftist opposition politician Chokri Belaid last month.

Mr Larayedh pledged to reduce violence and boost the economy.

Despite the vote there remains a vocal secular opposition to the ruling Islamist Ennahda party fuelled by high unemployment and a lack of economic growth.

Ennahda failed to convince any opposition parties to join the government but invited a number of independents to quell unrest.