Tunisian President Removes Prime Minister Bouden, Appoints Hachani

Tunisian President Kais Saied has fired Prime Minister Najla Bouden, the first woman to lead a government in the country, without providing an explanation. Saied immediately appointed Ahmed Hachani, a relatively unknown figure, as the new Prime Minister. Since granting himself sweeping powers in July 2021, Saied has ruled by decree, amending the constitution to reduce the powers of parliament. The political crisis in Tunisia is exacerbated by economic difficulties, including high levels of debt, sluggish growth, rising poverty, and high unemployment.