Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Madouri on Friday, marking another shift in leadership as the country faces severe economic challenges.
Madouri, a technocrat appointed last August, was replaced by Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, Tunisia’s second woman prime minister.
Zaafrani, 62, was previously the Minister of Public Works and inherits a nation grappling with sluggish growth and rising unemployment.
The president’s office did not provide specific reasons for the dismissal, but Saied, in a video posted online, emphasized the need for improved government coordination.
He mentioned removing “obstacles” to better meet the expectations of Tunisians.
Zaafrani takes office at a time when Tunisia’s human rights record is under international scrutiny.
The UN has criticized the government for imprisoning political opponents, while rights groups highlight increasing restrictions on freedoms.
Since Saied’s 2021 power grab, Tunisia has seen frequent cabinet changes, with Madouri’s departure marking the fourth prime ministerial shift in just a few years.
The country also faces deepening debt and financial difficulties, with its national debt now around 80% of GDP.
Saied, who was re-elected in October 2024 with overwhelming support, continues to defend his actions as necessary for Tunisia’s security and to fight corruption.
However, the political climate remains tense, with numerous opponents imprisoned, and protests have erupted in recent weeks.
Zaafrani’s appointment signals a continued push for reform, though many Tunisians remain wary of the growing political and economic instability.
