Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki said late Friday that Tunisia needs a government reshuffle through the appointment of competent technocrat ministers in key areas.

Marzouki made the remarks Friday night on the state TV when commenting on the recent clashes between police and protesters in Siliana town, some 120 km from Tunisian capital Tunis.

Marzouki criticized the government's input in addressing the country's economic concerns, saying that Tunisia's fate is in the hands of all, including politicians, government, presidency, unionists, civil society and citizens.

More than 250 people were injured in the Siliana clashes, which erupted last week in the impoverished town after police used teargas and fired shotgun pellets on protesters, causing critical injuries to the eyes to about 19 protesters.

On Friday, the official TAP press agency reported that at least two of the demonstrators lost eyesight following the incidents.

A probe has been launched to determine the circumstances of the violence, while UN human rights observers in Tunisia have criticized the government's use of excessive force in quelling the protests.

Marzouki also warned that if the current government's response to the clashes "is not adequate, there will be chaos in the country."

"The organization of elections before the summer is vital," Marzouki said, adding that it was essential "to move towards the edification of stable institutions and a real democracy."

According to observers, the latest events in Siliana have highlighted the socio-economic disparity between Tunisian rural populations and those of the coastal towns.

Protesters are demanding the removal of a controversial governor, but so far Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali has refused to dismiss him. On Friday, thousands of Siliana inhabitants engaged in a symbolic march towards the Tunisian capital, demanding an end to marginalization.