Tunisian President Fires Prime Minister Because Public Service Declines

JAKARTA - Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri less than a year after his appointment amid a slumped economy and an increasing number of migrants coming from countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Maddouri was replaced by Sara Zaafarani, an engineer who has served as minister of housing since 2021.

Zaafarani became Tunisia's third prime minister in less than two years.

In recent months, Saied has sharply criticized the performance of the ministers, saying many have not met the required standards and the Tunisian people's expectations are too high. Last month, Tunisian President sacked Finance Minister Sihem Boughdiri.

In a meeting broadcast on the presidential Facebook page, Saied asked Zaafarani to coordinate the government's actions and overcome obstacles to meeting the expectations of the Tunisian people.

Tunisians have complained about the worsening of public services ranging from health to transportation and utilities.

"Active criminal gangs in many public facilities. It is time to end them and hold every official accountable, regardless of their position and their negligence or involvement," Saied said in a speech.

Economic growth has not exceeded 1.4% in the past year, and the North African country's public finances are facing a severe crisis that has led to a shortage of key commodities including sugar, rice, and coffee.

"We will continue the fighting for release until justice is served for all citizens. We will continue to thwart all conspiracy," said President Saied.

Tunisia is also facing widespread criticism of the unprecedented migrant crisis, as thousands of people from sub-Saharan Africa headed for the country in an effort to reach Europe.

Thousands of migrants live in tents in forests in southern cities such as Amra and Jbeniana after authorities prevented them from traveling across the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, migrants often clash with local residents who want them to be deported from their area.

Local human rights groups have accused authorities of racist rhetoric and incitement against migrants.

President Saied took over additional power in 2021 when he closed the elected parliament and began to rule with a decree before taking over the judiciary.

The opposition called the action a coup.