Tunisian President Removes Finance Minister Amidst Economic Crisis, Appoints Judge as Successor

In a significant move, the President of Tunisia dismissed Sihem Boughdiri from her position as Finance Minister on Wednesday February 5, appointing Michkat Khaldi, a prominent judge, as her replacement.
Khaldi, who took the official oath at Carthage Palace, assumes the role at a time when the country’s economic situation is dire. Boughdiri, who had served since 2021, leaves office amidst growing public discontent over shortages of essential goods such as sugar, rice, coffee, and cooking gas.
Khaldi’s appointment comes as Tunisia grapples with a mounting fiscal crisis. Over the past year, the government has faced considerable challenges in managing public finances, including resorting to drastic measures such as borrowing directly from the central bank to settle urgent debts. In addition, taxes on higher earners have been raised in an attempt to generate more revenue for the state. Khaldi, previously heading the Criminal Reconciliation Committee, will now oversee a sector critical to stabilising Tunisia’s economy.
The reshuffle underscores the urgency with which the Tunisian leadership is seeking to address the nation’s financial instability. While Khaldi’s legal background offers a fresh perspective, his success in navigating the complexities of Tunisia’s economic predicament will be closely scrutinised. His appointment signals a potential shift towards strengthening institutional integrity in the face of widespread corruption, as the country strives to recover from its current financial crisis.