Kais Saied Appoints Kamel Madouri Prime Minister

Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani without providing any explanation, appointing Social Affairs Minister Kamel Madouri as his successor. This marks Saied's ongoing trend of abruptly removing prime ministers, having previously replaced Najla Bouden under similar circumstances. Hachani, who took office in August 2023, had just reported progress on governmental issues, including public transport. The political context is tense, with Saied consolidating power since his election in 2019, recently amending the constitution in 2022 to limit parliamentary authority. Amid rising public discontent over essential services like water and electricity, Saied is preparing for presidential elections scheduled for October 6, where he seeks a second term. His candidacy is framed as part of a 'war of liberation and self-determination,' despite criticisms regarding the suppression of political dissent.