Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, appointing Sara Zaafarani amid economic difficulties and a migrant crisis. Saied has criticized ministerial performance and faced challenges of stagnant growth and commodity shortages, while tensions rise over treatment of migrants seeking to reach Europe. His consolidation of powers has sparked opposition criticism.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri after less than a year in office, appointing Sara Zaafarani to replace him during an economic downturn and migrant crisis. Zaafarani, previously minister of Equipment and Housing, is the third prime minister in under two years as the government faces mounting challenges.
In recent months, President Saied has expressed dissatisfaction with ministerial performance, emphasizing a high expectation from the Tunisian public. Notably, he terminated Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri last month as discontent grows.
The country’s economic growth has stagnated at 1.4 percent over the past year, compounded by severe public finance issues leading to shortages of essential commodities such as sugar, rice, and coffee. Underlying these challenges, Saied states, “We will continue the liberation battle until justice prevails for all citizens … We will continue to thwart all conspiracies,” reflecting his commitment to address national issues.
Simultaneously, Tunisia grapples with a migrant crisis; thousands from sub-Saharan Africa attempt to reach Europe but find themselves relocated to makeshift camps in Amra and Jbeniana. Local human rights organizations have criticized authorities for fostering a hostile environment toward migrants, amid growing tensions with local residents advocating for their deportation.
Saied’s consolidation of power, initiated in 2021 with the dissolution of the elected parliament and governance by decree, has drawn opposition accusations of a coup, intensifying the political landscape of Tunisia as it navigates these multifaceted crises.
In summary, Tunisian President Kais Saied has taken decisive action amid ongoing economic and migration crises by appointing a new prime minister, Sara Zaafarani. With economic growth stagnant and critical resource shortages, the government’s challenges are compounded by a migrant influx. Saied’s responses have sparked concerns regarding his consolidation of power, further complicating Tunisia’s political stability as it faces discontent and criticism over its handling of migration and economic issues.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
