Tunisia: President Saied overhauls cabinet, replaces 19 ministers

Tunisian President Kais Saied announced a significant cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, replacing 19 ministers, including key positions in defense, foreign affairs, and the economy, just weeks ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October 6.

The reshuffle, which also involved the replacement of three state secretaries, follows the recent dismissal of Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani.

Kamel Maddouri, previously the social affairs minister, has stepped into the role as the new Prime Minister, signaling a dramatic shift in Tunisia’s political landscape.

According to a statement from the presidency, Khaled Shili has been appointed as the new defense minister, while Mohamed Ali Nafti will take over the foreign affairs portfolio.

The announcement, made in the early hours of August 25, 2024, did not provide further details regarding the motivations behind this abrupt cabinet change.

President Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, has faced scrutiny for consolidating power since a controversial power grab in 2021. As he prepares to run for re-election, Saied has framed his candidacy as part of a “war of liberation and self-determination,” aiming to establish a “new republic.” However, his administration has been marred by allegations of political repression, with many of his opponents currently imprisoned or facing prosecution.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms over the political climate, revealing that at least eight potential candidates for the upcoming elections have been prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned by Tunisian authorities.