Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, appointing Sara Zaafarani as the new prime minister. This change occurs amid ongoing economic crises and a surge in migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Saied has faced criticism over the performance of government officials and the declining quality of public services as Tunisia’s economic growth falters.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, marking the third prime ministerial change in under two years. This decision comes as Tunisia faces significant economic and political challenges, compounded by an increasing influx of migrants and refugees from sub-Saharan Africa. Saied announced Maddouri’s removal late Thursday and appointed Sara Zaafarani, an engineer and current minister of equipment and housing, as his successor.
Since his re-election in 2024 with low voter turnout, President Saied has struggled to stabilize Tunisia’s economy, which has suffered due to a backdrop of political repression, highlighted by the imprisonment of political opponents, entrepreneurs, and journalists. President Saied holds extensive powers to dismiss various government officials, including ministers and judges.
Zaafarani’s appointment signifies her as the third prime minister since Saied assumed authority and the second female to occupy the position historically. Saied has openly criticized the inefficacy of certain ministers, stating that many have not achieved the standards expected by the populace. In a recent meeting, Saied urged Zaafarani to enhance government coordination to meet public expectations.
Public dissatisfaction has grown regarding the quality of services rendered in health, transport, and utilities, with the president highlighting the presence of criminal gangs in public institutions and the need for accountability among officials. Tunisia’s economic growth has stagnated at 1.4% over the past year, resulting in critical shortages of essential commodities like sugar, rice, and coffee.
Moreover, Tunisia is grappling with a severe migrant crisis, as thousands from sub-Saharan Africa seek passage to Europe. Many of these individuals live in makeshift accommodations in southern towns while facing tensions with local residents. Human rights organizations have criticized the government for using xenophobic rhetoric against migrants. Since centralizing power in 2021 by suspending the parliament and ruling by decree, President Saied’s actions have drawn accusations of authoritarianism.
In summary, Tunisia’s political landscape continues to evolve amid significant challenges. The firing of Prime Minister Maddouri and the appointment of Zaafarani underscore ongoing instability in governance, particularly in the face of economic distress and social unrest exacerbated by the migrant crisis. President Saied’s critical view of his ministers reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the state’s ability to respond to public needs.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
