Tunisia's President Changes Prime Minister Before Election

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — In a significant political shakeup, President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani, appointing Kamel Maddouri, the former social affairs minister, as his replacement. This decision, announced late Wednesday, marks the latest in a series of government changes as Tunisia approaches its presidential election scheduled for October 6. Hachani's tenure lasted just one year, and the president did not provide a specific reason for the dismissal. The political landscape in Tunisia has been increasingly tumultuous, characterized by rising social discontent and economic challenges, including soaring inflation and high unemployment rates. Just hours before his removal, Hachani had publicly praised his government's achievements in a Facebook video, highlighting efforts in economic and social sectors. Maddouri's appointment makes him the sixth prime minister under Saied's administration, reflecting the instability within the government. As Saied prepares to seek a second term, the political climate remains fraught with tension. Many opposition leaders are imprisoned, and several potential presidential candidates have been barred from participating in the upcoming elections. Once viewed as a beacon of democracy following the 2011 Arab Spring, Tunisia has experienced significant political upheaval since Saied took office in 2019, where he has consolidated power by suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution. Under the new constitutional framework, Saied has gained the authority to unilaterally appoint the prime minister and the Cabinet, a departure from the previous constitution that allowed for greater parliamentary involvement in governance.