Tunisian President Sacks Prime Minister, Cites Economic Failures and Migration Crises
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri less than a year after his appointment, as the country faces ongoing economic and political crises, compounded by an increasing influx of migrants and refugees from sub-Saharan Africa.
The announcement came late Thursday, with Saied appointing Sara Zaafarani, an engineer and the current Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021, as the new prime minister.
Since his narrow re-election in 2024, Saied has struggled to stabilize Tunisia’s economy amid political repression, which has seen the imprisonment of many opposition figures, as well as businessmen and journalists. The president holds full authority to dismiss ministers and judges.
With this appointment, Zaafarani becomes Tunisia’s third prime minister in less than two years and the second woman to hold the position in the country’s history. Saied has been highly critical of his ministers’ performance in recent months, stating that many have failed to meet the required standards and that the expectations of the Tunisian people are high. Last month, he also removed Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri.
During a meeting broadcast on the presidency’s Facebook page, Saied urged Zaafarani to enhance coordination among government actions and address obstacles to meet the needs and expectations of the Tunisian people. Citizens have expressed frustration over deteriorating public services, including in health, transport, and utilities.
Tunisia’s economy has struggled, with growth not surpassing 1.4 percent in the past year. The country’s public finances are in crisis, leading to shortages of essential goods such as sugar, rice, and coffee.
