Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri less than a year after his appointment, naming Sara Zaafarani as his replacement. This move comes as Tunisia grapples with a faltering economy and an escalating migration crisis. Zaafarani, an engineer who previously served as Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021, becomes the country’s third prime minister in under two years, highlighting the political instability plaguing the North African nation.
Saied has been increasingly critical of his government’s performance, accusing ministers of failing to meet the expectations of the Tunisian people. Last month, he dismissed Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri, signaling his dissatisfaction with the handling of the country’s economic woes. In a meeting broadcast on the presidency’s Facebook page, Saied urged Zaafarani to “coordinate government action and overcome obstacles” to address the pressing challenges facing Tunisia.
The country’s economy has been in dire straits, with growth stagnating at just 1.4% over the past year. Public finances are in crisis, leading to shortages of essential goods such as sugar, rice, and coffee. The economic downturn has exacerbated public discontent, with many Tunisians struggling to make ends meet.
Compounding these challenges is an unprecedented migration crisis. Thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants have flocked to Tunisia, hoping to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe. Many are now living in makeshift tents in forests near Amra and Jbeniana after being blocked by authorities from attempting the perilous sea journey. The influx has sparked tensions with local residents, who demand the migrants’ deportation, while human rights groups accuse the government of using racist rhetoric and inciting violence against migrants.
Saied’s consolidation of power has further polarized the nation. In 2021, he shut down the elected parliament, assumed control of the judiciary, and began ruling by decree—a move condemned by the opposition as a coup. Despite widespread criticism, Saied remains defiant, vowing to “continue the liberation battle until justice prevails” and to thwart “all conspiracies.”
As Tunisia faces mounting economic and social pressures, the appointment of a new prime minister offers little assurance of stability. The country’s future remains uncertain, with Saied’s authoritarian tendencies and the deepening crises testing the resilience of its democracy.
