President Saied appoints Sara Zaafarani as new prime minister

On 21 March 2025, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Madouri and appointed Sara Zaafarani Zenzri as the new Prime Minister of Tunisia, amid intensifying political and economic challenges facing the North African country. Zaafarani, a seasoned engineer and long-time public servant who previously served as Minister of Equipment and Housing since 2021, succeeds Madouri as head of government after less than a year in office for her predecessor. Her appointment marked a continuation of frequent leadership changes — she became the third prime minister in under two years — underscoring ongoing political volatility under Saied’s presidency. Zaafarani, 62 years old and fluent in multiple languages, also became the second woman in Tunisia’s history to serve as prime minister, following Najla Bouden. President Saied emphasised in official statements that her selection was aimed at strengthening government coordination and addressing pressing national issues, including a sluggish economy, high unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with basic services. Tunisia has been grappling with limited economic growth, mounting public debt, and social discontent, factors that have driven Saied’s frequent cabinet reshuffles. Zaafarani’s government is expected to focus on improving administrative performance and meeting the expectations of the Tunisian people amid these ongoing crises.