Tunisian President Sacks Prime Minister Amid Rising Tensions

In a surprise move late Wednesday, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and swiftly appointed Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri as his successor. This unexpected shake-up comes at a critical time for Tunisia, as the nation grapples with growing public dissatisfaction over persistent water and electricity outages, coupled with the ongoing political tension leading up to the October presidential elections.

Ahmed Hachani, who had only been in office since August of the previous year, had earlier in the day emphasised the government’s progress on several key issues, including securing the nation’s food and energy needs despite global challenges. However, this statement did not shield him from the president’s decision, which has sparked further speculation about the motivations behind his removal.

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Kamel Maddouri, who was recently appointed as the Social Affairs Minister in May, now steps into the role of Prime Minister. The brief announcement from President Saied’s office provided no detailed reasoning for the change in leadership, leaving many Tunisians and political analysts questioning the underlying causes.

This development occurs against the backdrop of widespread public discontent over recurring crises in basic services, particularly the ongoing water and electricity outages that have plagued many regions of the country. While the government has attributed these issues to a severe drought, President Saied has suggested a more sinister explanation, alleging that the water shortages are part of a conspiracy aimed at undermining his administration ahead of the elections. The agriculture ministry, however, maintains that water levels in the dams are critically low, standing at just 25 percent.

President Saied, who has already announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming presidential elections, continues to face intense criticism from opposition groups, human rights organisations, and political competitors. Critics accuse him of using state power to intimidate and sideline his rivals, thereby paving the way for an uncontested victory.

The political climate in Tunisia remains tense as opposition figures, including lawyer Abir Moussi, face legal challenges that many believe are politically motivated. Moussi, a vocal critic of Saied’s government, was recently sentenced to two years in prison under a controversial cybercrime law, just days after she submitted her candidacy for the presidency through her legal team.

Since his election in 2019, President Saied has taken significant steps to consolidate power, most notably through a 2022 constitutional rewrite that established a presidential regime with limited parliamentary powers. His actions have drawn widespread concern, both domestically and internationally, as Tunisia’s democratic institutions and political freedoms appear increasingly at risk.

As Tunisia approaches its presidential election on October 6, the nation finds itself at a crossroads, with many citizens and observers closely watching the developments in what is seen as a crucial moment for the future of the country’s democracy.