Summary:

On 25 June 2025, Tunisian President Kais Saied met with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri to discuss administrative reforms and enhance public sector efficiency. 

                        [mepr-show if=”loggedout”] Please login or purchase an InBrief membership to view the rest of this report [/mepr-show] [mepr-show if=”loggedin“]

The President highlighted the importance of implementing measures to replace underperforming government officials with long-term unemployed Tunisians, stating that the latter are often more qualified, dedicated, and better suited for public service roles.  

He also emphasized that patriotism, selflessness, and austerity must guide these appointments, while condemning officials who exploit bureaucratic delays to hinder citizens’ requests. The President asserted that interest groups seeking to exacerbate tensions and provoke crises in Tunisia must be held accountable, along with any public administration employees who support them. 

President Saied also called for a comprehensive review of existing laws, administrative positions, and institutions without clear and relevant responsibilities. 

President Saied met earlier in June with the Prime Minister in a similar context, where he stressed the urgent need for administrative reforms and asserted that those unwilling to support this “decisive phase” have no place in public administration. 

Outlook: 

President Saied’s directive to replace underperforming government officials with long-term unemployed citizens signals a deeper attempt to reshape Tunisia’s public administration.  

While framed as a socially responsible policy to reintegrate marginalized Tunisians, the move also reflects Saied’s broader effort to centralize control and streamline state institutions. This approach may temporarily ease social pressures related to unemployment and economic instability, but some commentators have raised concerns over movement toward power consolidation in the long-term. 

Additionally, these policies could raise concerns about transparency, meritocracy, and the politicization of public sector appointments, which may lead to more criticism of the president’s policies if the process is not conducted in a transparent manner. 

[/mepr-show]

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.