Maghreb Edition

Tunisia’s economy minister sacked amid unprecedented financial crisisF

Posted On 17 October 2023

Number of times this article was read : 3664

Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked the economy minister on Tuesday and appointed the finance minister to the role on an interim basis, the presidency announced without giving any explanation. In a brief statement published on its official website, the presidency said that the head of state “has decided to terminate the duties of the minister of economy and planning, Samir Saied”. The Minister of Finance, Sihem Boughdiri, has been given the task of “temporarily” taking over his duties, the statement added, without giving any further details.

The move comes as the country is going through an unprecedented economic and financial crisis. Inflation reached 9.3 percent in August and growth in the second quarter did not exceed 0.6 percent, according to official figures. With a debt equivalent to around 80 percent of its GDP, Tunisia is engaged in long negotiations with the International Monetary Fund to obtain a new loan of $2 billion to cover its budget deficit.

AFP

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Spies, Lies, and a Border Overrun: Morocco’s Bad Week✓

Morocco is facing scrutiny on two fronts this summer: a corroborated investigation alleging systematic use of Pegasus spyware against journalists and foreign officials, and a fresh migrant surge into Ceuta that echoes the 2021 border crisis. Both developments draw scrutiny of Morocco from European governments and beyond, each for different reasons — one a question of covert surveillance, the other of border management under pressure.

Algeria is Experiencing a Severe Wildfire Crisis✓

Algeria has recorded 1,619 fires since a heat wave began July 8, including 538 forest fires and six deaths, with 53 blazes still active as of July 22. Officials are calling the outbreaks “sixth-generation” fires — fast-moving and unusually difficult to control.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.