Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Madouri, the presidency announced Friday, in a move that underscores the country’s ongoing political instability and economic challenges.
Madouri, a technocrat appointed in August 2024 as part of a cabinet reshuffle, has been replaced by Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, the former Minister of Public Works. Zaafrani, 62, becomes Tunisia’s second female prime minister after Najla Bouden, who served from October 2021 to August 2023.
The leadership shakeup comes as Tunisia faces mounting economic hardship, with sluggish growth, high unemployment, and increasing debt. The country’s economy expanded by just 0.4% in 2024, while public debt has soared to 80% of GDP.
Saied, who seized sweeping powers in 2021, has now overseen four different cabinets, frequently expressing dissatisfaction with government performance. While he did not explicitly comment on Madouri’s dismissal, he was seen in a video posted by the presidency emphasizing the need for improved government coordination and the removal of “obstacles to meet the expectations of the Tunisian people.”
The political climate in Tunisia remains tense, with dozens of Saied’s opponents—along with businessmen and media figures—imprisoned under his rule. The United Nations and rights groups have criticized the crackdown on political dissent, warning of a rollback in freedoms.
Saied, who was re-elected in October 2024 with over 90% of the vote but a turnout of less than 30%, has defended his governance as a fight against corruption and inefficiency. However, ordinary Tunisians continue to suffer from shortages of essential goods, including sugar and flour.
Zaafrani’s appointment coincides with an ongoing mass trial of around 40 high-profile defendants accused of plotting against state security. Addressing recent protests and self-immolations, Saied suggested a link between the unrest and the politically charged trial.
With Tunisia’s economic crisis deepening, Zaafrani faces a formidable challenge in stabilizing the country’s finances and restoring public confidence in the government.
The presidency confirmed no further cabinet changes beyond Salah Zouari’s appointment as the new Public Works Minister, replacing Zaafrani.
