Tunisian President Dismisses Prime Minister Amid Deepening Crises

 In a decisive political maneuver, Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri, less than a year after his appointment. This marks the third time in under two years that Saied has replaced the nation’s head of government, reflecting the escalating political volatility in Tunisia. ​

The North African country is currently grappling with a multitude of challenges, including a faltering economy characterized by high unemployment rates and soaring inflation. Additionally, Tunisia is facing a significant migration crisis, with an increasing number of migrants and refugees arriving from sub-Saharan Africa. These compounded issues have intensified public discontent and placed immense pressure on the government to implement effective solutions. ​

President Saied has appointed Sara Zaafarani as the new Prime Minister. Zaafarani, an experienced engineer, has been serving as the Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021. Her appointment makes her the third individual to hold the prime ministerial position since Saied’s consolidation of power in 2021. 

The frequent changes in the prime minister’s office have raised concerns about political stability in Tunisia. Critics argue that such instability hampers the government’s ability to address pressing issues effectively, particularly the economic downturn and the migration influx. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, apprehensive about the potential for further unrest in a country that was once hailed as a beacon of democratic transition in the Arab world.