Summary:

On 12 March 2024, President Kais Saied made an unannounced visit to two railway stations in Tunis, after which, the Minister of Transport, among others, was relieved of his duties. 

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The President visit the Djebel Jeloud and Tunis Marine railway stations, commenting on the poor state of the country’s transport infrastructure and the impact of corruption on the sector. The President made particular note of the large quantities of abandoned rolling stock. 

On the same day, Office of the President issued an announcement indicating the termination of the duties of the Rabi Majidi, the Minister of Transport, as well as Hayet Ketat Guermazi, the Minister of Cultural Affairs. 

On 13 March, the secretary general of the Echaab Movement, Zouhair Maghzaoui, announced that the political party supported the decision to dismiss the former Transport Minister. He noted the ongoing challenges in the transport system and the need for reform. 

Outlook: 

The most recent firings of ministers follow a long line of dismissals of senior officials and ministers under President Saied. 

Reasons for the dismissals under the current administration are rarely given but have often been linked to particular areas of focus for President Saied as he seeks to implement his broadly popular platform of ridding the government of corruption. 

In late 2023 and early 2024, Tunisia’s largest steel producer came under scrutiny by the President, eventually leading to arrests of senior officials from the state-run firm. 

Similar high-profile events are likely to continue, particularly in an election year as the President seeks to secure and increase public support for his re-election. With anti-corruption a nearly universally popular issue, it will likely remain prominent on his agenda in the coming months. 

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