President of Tunisia reorganizes government in advance of October presidential election

Prior to a presidential election scheduled for October 6, Tunisian President Kais Saied announced on Sunday a wide-ranging cabinet reorganization including 19 ministries, including those in charge of the economy, foreign policy, and defense.

The new military minister will be Khaled Shili, while the new foreign affairs minister will be Mohamed Ali Nafti, according to a statement from the president.

Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani was fired by Saied earlier this month, and the minister of social affairs Kamel Maddouri took his place.

The interior, justice, and finance ministers were not removed from office.
The cabinet shift, which is probably an attempt to bring in fresh blood and win over voters, occurs in the midst of a financial crisis and public unhappiness about frequent power and water outages in many areas of the nation as well as a lack of some items and medications.

Saied, who defeated two opponents to secure his power grab in 2021 after he disbanded the elected parliament, is seeking reelection.

The authorities are accused by human rights organizations and opposition parties in Tunisia of employing intimidation and “arbitrary restrictions” to keep candidates out of the election and allow Saied to be re-elected.