Tunisian President Kais Saied has sacked Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, replacing him with Sara Zaafarani amid economic struggles and a migrant crisis. Saied has expressed dissatisfaction with ministerial performance, citing economic stagnation and basic commodity shortages. The situation is exacerbated by conflicts between migrants and local residents, while Saied’s consolidation of power remains controversial.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri fewer than twelve months after his appointment, appointing Sara Zaafarani as the new Prime Minister. This change ensues amid an economic downturn and an escalation in the influx of migrants from Sub-Saharan African countries. Zaafarani, an engineer with prior experience as the Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021, becomes the third individual to hold the prime ministerial position in less than two years.
In recent months, President Saied has criticized his government ministers, asserting that many have failed to meet the required standards and that the population holds substantial expectations for effective governance. Last month, Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri was also dismissed in this wave of government reshuffles. The economy currently faces severe challenges, with growth barely surpassing 1.4 percent within the last year, resulting in shortages of essential commodities such as sugar, rice, and coffee.
President Saied has vowed to address these issues, asserting, “We will continue the liberation battle until justice prevails for all citizens … We will continue to thwart all conspiracies,” during a National Security Council meeting. He is also contending with extensive criticism regarding an ongoing migrant crisis, where thousands of Sub-Saharan African migrants have been attempting to reach the Italian coast through Tunisia. Unfortunately, many are now living in makeshift tents in rural forests after being blocked from crossing the Mediterranean.
The situation is further complicated by tensions between the migrants and local residents, resulting in conflicts, with local communities pressing for the migrants’ deportation. Human rights organizations have condemned the government for allegedly promoting racist rhetoric against migrants. In a controversial move, President Saied consolidated power in 2021, shutting down the elected parliament and ruling by decree, an action that opposition members have deemed a coup.
In summary, Tunisian President Kais Saied has replaced Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri with Sara Zaafarani, highlighting the government’s response to a deepening economic crisis and a growing migration issue. As Tunisia grapples with stagnant economic growth and public dissatisfaction, Saied’s management style and recent decisions continue to provoke serious scrutiny, especially in light of accusations against the government’s handling of migrants. The political landscape remains complex as the opposition challenges the legitimacy of Saied’s increased powers since 2021.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
