Nine ministers stayed in office from an interim government announced last week, Mr. Ghannouchi said in a televised address.

He ousted key ministers belonging to former Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's party, the Constitutional Democratic Rally, known by its French acronym, RCD.

The move came amid calls from street protesters for the ouster of old-guard officials.

Demonstrators have camped out in front of the capital's government palace for five days, with some calling for Ghannouchi to step down.

The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), the main force behind the current protests against the interim government, endorsed the new cabinet, which is expected to boost its credibility among protesters.

In a speech broadcast on Tunisian television, Mr. Ghannouchi announced new ministers of interior, defense, religious affairs, health and finance. None of the new ministers are from Ben Ali's defunct political party.

Some of the new appointees had been living overseas in other countries, including France and Morocco.

Foreign Minister Kamel Morjane was a holdover from Ben Ali's government, having served as foreign minister for about a year and as defense minister before that.

There was no immediate explanation for his resignation, but Ahmed Ouneies was named his replacement.