Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri as part of a series of governmental changes amidst significant economic and political crises. Sara Zaafarani has been appointed as the new prime minister, becoming the second female in this role in Tunisia’s history. The administration confronts public dissatisfaction, deteriorating services, economic stagnation, and a severe migrant crisis.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri after less than a year in office, marking the third such dismissal in under two years. This change comes as Tunisia faces significant economic and political challenges, compounded by a rising influx of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Saied replaced Maddouri with Sara Zaafarani, previously the Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021, who now becomes the country’s second female prime minister in history.
Despite the appointment of Zaafarani, President Saied has indicated dissatisfaction with his cabinet’s performance, emphasizing the need for improvements to meet public expectations. His administration has seen a decline in public services, leading to complaints across various sectors. Saied previously dismissed Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri, demonstrating his increasing scrutiny of governmental operations.
Saied’s government is characterized by substantial economic struggles, with growth stagnant at 1.4 percent, resulting in critical shortages of essential goods. The president, who possesses the authority to dismiss ministers and judges, called for accountability within public facilities and vowed to combat criminal activities affecting services.
Moreover, Tunisia is experiencing a tangible migrant crisis, with thousands fleeing sub-Saharan Africa in search of a better life, complicating the nation’s socio-political fabric. Local authorities are criticized for their policies towards these migrants, leading to tensions between residents and migrants, accentuated by allegations of racial incitement.
Since consolidating power in 2021, President Saied’s rule has drawn accusations of authoritarianism, particularly following his closure of the elected parliament, which opponents have likened to a coup. This backdrop has heightened the urgency for political stability and effective governance in Tunisia.
In summary, President Kais Saied’s recent dismissal of Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri highlights ongoing economic and political instability in Tunisia. This marks the third prime ministerial change in less than two years as Saied grapples with rising public dissatisfaction and a significant migrant crisis. Zaafarani’s appointment signals a potential shift in governance, although the challenges before her are substantial and pressing.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
