US (Washington Insider Magazine) —Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and appointed Kamel Madouri, the former social affairs minister, as his replacement. The announcement from the president’s office came late Wednesday, though no reason was given for Hachani’s removal. Hachani had been in office since August 1, 2023, succeeding Najla Bouden, who was also dismissed without an official explanation by Saied.
Just hours before his dismissal, Hachani addressed the nation in a video message, highlighting the government’s progress in addressing key issues despite global challenges, including efforts to secure the country’s food and energy supply.
Madouri, who takes over as prime minister, had only assumed the social affairs portfolio in May. A brief social media statement from the president’s office depicted Saied shaking hands with Madouri and confirmed his new role, stating, “The president has decided to assign him to head the government, succeeding Mr. Ahmed Hachani.”
This leadership change occurs just ahead of Tunisia’s presidential election on October 6, where Saied is vying for a second term amid widespread dissatisfaction over ongoing water and electricity outages in various regions. The government has attributed these issues to a persistent drought, which has led to the implementation of a water distribution quota system. However, Saied has dismissed these claims, suggesting that the water shortages are a conspiracy aimed at undermining his electoral campaign, insisting that the country’s dams are adequately filled.
Contradicting Saied’s claims, the agriculture ministry reported that dam levels are critically low, currently at only 25 percent capacity. Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, faced significant backlash after orchestrating a power grab in 2021, leading to accusations from opposition parties, human rights groups, and political candidates of suppressing and intimidating rivals to facilitate his reelection.
In a further escalation of political tensions, an opposition figure and potential presidential candidate, Abir Moussi, was sentenced to two years in prison earlier this week. Moussi, a lawyer, was arrested last year for criticizing the electoral process and was investigated under a controversial cybercrime law that criminalizes the dissemination of false information. Her sentencing is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent that many observers believe is politically motivated against Saied’s critics, regardless of their political affiliations.
Moussi appeals to segments of the population nostalgic for Tunisia’s pre-revolutionary past and has been a vocal critic of leaders such as the imprisoned Ennahdha party leader Rached Ghannouchi. Notably, she held a position in the ruling party of long-time President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
In 2022, Tunisia’s constitution was rewritten to establish a presidential regime, significantly limiting the powers of the parliament, and raising further concerns regarding the democratic process in the country.
