TUNIS: Tunisian President Kais Saied has executed a sweeping government reshuffle, replacing 19 ministers and three state secretaries, including those in key positions such as foreign affairs and defence, the Tunisian presidency announced on Sunday without explanation.
The abrupt changes come just days after Saied dismissed former Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and appointed Kamel Madouri, the former social affairs minister, as the new head of government. The latest reshuffle was announced via a brief statement on Facebook.
This extensive overhaul of the cabinet comes as Tunisia prepares for its upcoming presidential elections on October 6, 2024. Saied, who has been in office since 2019, is seeking re-election amidst increasing political tensions and allegations of repression.
Saied, 66, first came to power through democratic elections but has since consolidated his authority, declaring a “war of liberation and self-determination” aimed at establishing what he describes as a “new republic.”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported a major crackdown on political opposition in Tunisia, with at least eight prospective presidential candidates currently imprisoned or facing prosecution. Among those detained is Abir Moussi, a prominent opposition figure sentenced to two years in prison under a controversial “false news” law. Her detention followed her recent attempt to submit her candidacy for the upcoming elections through her lawyers.
Other jailed candidates include Issam Chebbi, leader of the centrist Al Joumhouri party, and Ghazi Chaouchi, head of the social-democratic Democratic Current party. Both have been accused of “plotting against the state”.
HRW has criticized the Tunisian authorities for removing almost all serious contenders from the presidential race, which it argues has reduced the upcoming vote to a mere formality. The human rights organization highlights that many candidates have faced legal obstacles, including accusations of signature forgery and difficulties in obtaining necessary documentation, such as clean criminal records.
Earlier in August, a court in Tunis ordered the pre-trial detention of a treasurer from the Azimoun party, led by one of the few remaining challengers to Saied, Azimoun leader Ayachi Zammel.
