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State news agency TAP quoted the president who blamed the country’s situation on an open conflict between the Tunisian people who are determined to achieve justice and fight corruption, and groups who have thrown themselves into the arms of foreign lobbies.
With just over a month to the presidential election, Tunisian president Kaies Saied sacked dozens of ministers on Sunday (Aug. 25). In a move he termed as “indispensable”, 19 ministers and 3 state secretaries were sworn in some in replacement of acting ministers, others to fill in positions that remained empty following previous sackings.
State news agency TAP quoted the president who blamed the country’s situation on an open conflict between the Tunisian people who are determined to achieve justice and fight corruption, and groups who have thrown themselves into the arms of foreign lobbies. The president didn’t elaborate nor explicitly name any group. The cabinet reshuffle comes days after a new prime minister was appointed. Kamel Maddouri is Tunisia’s third PM since 2021.
The ministers overseeing finance, justice, and housing have so far survived all cabinet reshuffles. The latest comes amid a cost-of-living crisis and recurring water and electricity outages in many parts of the country. Kaies Saied is seeking a second presidential term. But while he is running for office, several of his political opponents and critics are currently in jail or being prosecuted.
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Saied, who solidified his authority in 2021 by dissolving the elected parliament, is running for re-election against two opponents. However, opposition parties and human rights organizations have accused the government of imposing “arbitrary restrictions” and using intimidation to limit competition, potentially paving the way for Saied’s re-election.
