Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri amidst ongoing economic and political issues, appointing Sara Zaafarani as his successor. Saied faces criticism for poor governance and the handling of a migrant crisis, while economic growth remains stagnant. The president’s extensive powers continue to shape the political landscape amid allegations of repression.
President Kais Saied of Tunisia has removed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, marking the dismissal of three prime ministers in less than two years as the nation faces deepening economic and political issues. This decision comes amid the struggles related to an influx of migrants and refugees from sub-Saharan Africa. Saied announced the new appointment of Sara Zaafarani, an engineer and former minister of equipment and housing, to replace Maddouri.
Since his re-election in 2024, President Saied has encountered challenges in stabilizing the economy, all while continuing a climate of political repression affecting opposition figures, journalists, and businessmen. The president holds the authority to dismiss ministers and judges as he sees fit. Zaafarani, now the third prime minister during Saied’s tenure, is also noted to be the second female to assume this role in Tunisia’s history.
The president has criticized government performance, stating that many ministers fell short of expectations, which led to his recent dismissal of Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri. In a socially broadcast meeting, he urged Zaafarani to enhance governmental coordination and tackle obstacles to meet the Tunisian people’s needs.
Public dissatisfaction is widespread due to declining services across health, transportation, and utilities. Saied emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Criminal gangs are active in many public facilities. It is time to put an end to them and hold every official accountable, regardless of their position and the nature of their negligence or complicity.”
Economically, Tunisia is struggling, with growth rates stagnating below 1.4 percent over the past year, contributing to severe shortages of essential commodities such as sugar and rice. In light of economic adversity, Saied proclaimed, “We will continue the liberation battle until justice prevails for all citizens … We will continue to thwart all conspiracies.”
Tunisia is also facing a significant migrant crisis, with thousands of sub-Saharan African nationals arriving and living in precarious conditions, leading to conflicts with local residents. Local human rights advocates have criticized the government’s approach, citing allegations of racist rhetoric against migrants. In 2021, Saied gained extensive powers and shifted towards ruling by decree, which the opposition has characterized as a coup attempt.
In summary, Tunisia’s political landscape remains volatile under President Kais Saied as he continues to face substantial challenges, including economic hardships and political repression. The appointment of Sara Zaafarani as a new prime minister underlines the urgency for strengthened governance. Meanwhile, the ongoing migrant crisis adds further complications to an already strained social fabric. Saied’s assertive stance toward accountability indicates a government at a crossroads, tasked with managing both economic recovery and public unrest.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
