Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Madouri, his office announced on Friday, as the country grapples with severe economic and political challenges.
A New Leader Amid Economic Struggles
Madouri, a technocrat appointed in August 2024 as part of a cabinet reshuffle, has been replaced by Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, the former Minister of Public Works, according to the presidency’s statement.
Zaafrani, 62, becomes Tunisia’s second female prime minister, following Najla Bouden, who held the role from October 2021 to August 2023.
Political and Human Rights Concerns
Zaafrani assumes office amid mounting international criticism, particularly from the United Nations, regarding Tunisia’s imprisonment of political opponents. Rights groups have also expressed alarm over a perceived erosion of democratic freedoms.
Since taking office in 2019, President Saied has frequently reshuffled his cabinet, appointing four different governments since his 2021 power grab, which consolidated executive control.
Economic Crisis and Governance Challenges
Tunisia remains deeply indebted, facing slow economic growth and high unemployment. The country recorded just 0.4% GDP growth in 2024, with public debt reaching 80% of GDP, up from 67% in 2019.
While the presidency did not provide reasons for Madouri’s dismissal, a video posted on the government’s Facebook page showed Saied instructing Zaafrani on the need to improve government coordination and eliminate obstacles to meet public expectations.
Saied retains the authority to dismiss ministers, judges, and heads of public institutions, a power he has frequently exercised. In August 2024, he replaced 19 ministers, citing national security concerns and the supreme interest of the state.
Political Turmoil and High-Profile Arrests
Madouri’s removal comes at a time of growing political tensions. Dozens of Saied’s opponents, including activists, politicians, and journalists, remain imprisoned. In early March, a high-profile mass trial involving around 40 defendants began, with charges of terrorism and conspiracy against state security.
Saied, in a video released before the prime minister’s dismissal, emphasized accountability among leadership, stating: “It is time that every leader be held fully accountable, regardless of their position.” He also criticized recent protests and self-immolations, linking them to the ongoing conspiracy trial.
Continuity in Government Structure
Apart from Madouri’s dismissal, the presidency announced only one other change: Salah Zouari was appointed as the new Minister of Public Works, filling Zaafrani’s previous role.
Zaafrani’s predecessor, Najla Bouden, was Tunisia’s first female prime minister before being replaced by Ahmed Hachani, who was later dismissed in summer 2024.
Saied’s Recent Re-Election and Policy Moves
Despite economic woes and political unrest, Saied was re-elected in October 2024 with over 90% of the vote in an election marked by low voter turnout (below 30%).
In February 2025, he also dismissed Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia, replacing her overnight with magistrate Michket Slama Khaldi.
Tunisia continues to face rising debt, economic stagnation, and international scrutiny as Zaafrani steps into her new role as prime minister.
