Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, marking the third prime ministerial change in under two years. The country faces economic challenges and a significant influx of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. New Prime Minister Sara Zaafarani has been tasked with improving government coordination to meet public expectations as Tunisia continues to navigate political unrest and economic difficulties.
In a recent development, Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, marking the third such firing of a prime minister within two years as Tunisia faces significant economic and political challenges. This announcement comes less than a year after Maddouri’s appointment and coincides with increasing numbers of migrants and refugees arriving from sub-Saharan Africa.
President Saied appointed Sara Zaafarani, previously the minister of equipment and housing, as the new prime minister. This transition highlights the ongoing instability under Saied’s decree-based leadership. In a meeting streamed on social media, Saied implored Zaafarani to enhance government coordination to satisfy the demands of the Tunisian populace.
Amid economic stagnation, with growth not surpassing 1.4 percent annually, the country is grappling with severe financial challenges, including shortages of essential commodities like sugar and rice. In recent months, Saied has criticized ministers for failing to meet public expectations, leading to the dismissal of various officials, including Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri.
Criticism of Tunisia’s handling of migrants has intensified, as thousands from sub-Saharan Africa find themselves in dire living conditions, often residing in makeshift shelters in southern regions after being barred from traveling to Europe. Local human rights organizations accuse authorities of fueling anti-migrant sentiments and fostering societal tensions.
President Saied’s consolidation of power began in 2021, when he suspended the elected parliament, prompting opposition claims of a coup. His leadership has faced scrutiny amid political repression of opposition figures and criticism of government performance across various sectors, from health care to public utilities.
In summary, President Kais Saied’s recent dismissal of Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri underscores the persistent volatility within Tunisia’s political landscape. The nation is contending with economic stagnation, growing public discontent, and an ongoing migrant crisis. As Saied appoints his third prime minister in less than two years, the challenges facing Tunisia’s governance and public welfare remain substantial. The appointment of Sara Zaafarani may pave the way for new strategies to address these pressing issues, yet the political environment continues to be fraught with uncertainty and tension.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
