Tunisia’s president sacks third prime minister in less than two years

As the country struggles with economic and political crises, which are made worse by a growing number of migrants and refugees leaving sub-Saharan Africa, President Kais Saied has fired prime minister Kamel Maddouri.

Said, an engineer who has served as the minister of equipment and housing since 2021, made the announcement late on Thursday, replacing Maddouri with Sara Zaafarani.

Following the imprisonment of numerous opposition figures, businesspeople, and journalists, Saeed has been working to stabilize the nation’s economy since his low turnout re-election in 2024.

The president of Tunisia has complete authority to oust judges and ministers.

With the appointment of Zaafari, she becomes Tunisia’s third female prime minister in history and its second woman in less than two years.

Saied has sharply criticized the performance of ministers in recent months, claiming that many have not lived up to the standards and that the expectations of the Tunisian people are high. He fired Sihem Boughdiri, the finance minister, last month.

Saied called on Zaafari to “more coordinate government action and overcome obstacles” in a meeting that was broadcast on the presidency’s Facebook page.

Tunisians have voiced concerns about the state of Tunisian public utilities, transportation, and health.

In a number of public places, criminal gangs are active. In a statement made at a Friday National Security Council meeting, Saied said, “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.”

The North African nation’s public finances are in decline, and the country’s economic growth rate has not exceeded 1.4 percent in the last year, which has resulted in shortages of important commodities like sugar, rice, and coffee.

According to Saied, “We will continue the liberation struggle until justice prevails for all citizens.”

Migrants

As thousands of people from sub-Saharan Africa travel to Tunisia in an effort to reach Europe, there is also widespread criticism of Tunisia for its unprecedented migrant crisis.

After being prevented from crossing the Mediterranean by authorities, thousands of migrants and refugees are now residing in tents in southern towns like Amra and Jbeniana.

Local human rights organizations accuse the authorities of racist language and incitement against migrants, while migrants frequently clash with residents who want them deported from their communities.

Saied seized additional powers in 2021 when he rescinded the elected body and moved to a decree-based rule before assuming judicial authority. The opposition referred to the action as a coup.