Tunisian President Kais Saied has fired Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and named Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri as his replacement, the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday (August 7).
Hachani was appointed Tunisia's prime minister in August last year. Hours before he was dismissed, Hachani said in a video message that the government had made progress on a number of issues despite global challenges, including securing the country's food and energy needs.
The dismissals come amid public dissatisfaction over the water crisis and recurring power outages in various parts of the country.
While the government argues that Tunisia is experiencing a persistent drought which has led to the introduction of a quota system in water distribution, Saied sees the water cuts as a conspiracy ahead of the presidential elections and says the dams are full.
The agriculture ministry said the dam level was critical and had reached 25 percent.
Saied announced his candidacy in October's presidential election amid widespread criticism from the opposition, rights groups and other candidates for restricting and intimidating his rivals to smooth his path to winning a second term. (th/ab)
