Tunisian President Kais Saied has taken decisive action in response to the ongoing bread crisis that has gripped the nation.
In an effort to address the severe shortages of grain supplies and the subsequent disruption of bread production, President Saied has dismissed the Director General of the Grain Bureau, Bashir Al-Kathiri. This move comes as part of the president’s broader efforts to cleanse state institutions and combat corruption in the country.
The president has appointed Salwa Bin Hadid as the new head of the grain office, signalling a shift in leadership and a renewed focus on resolving the bread crisis.
This decision is aimed at tackling the urgent issue of grain scarcity in Tunisia, which has been exacerbated by the Russian war in Ukraine and a significant decline in national production due to drought, amounting to a staggering 60 percent reduction.
Furthermore, President Saied has urged the justice minister to initiate legal proceedings against those accused of monopolising the distribution of grain and other consumer goods.
This stern action against those responsible for the soaring prices of essential commodities reflects the president’s determination to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure accountability for those who exploit the situation for personal gain.
The dismissal of the grain office head is just one in a series of dismissals of public institution directors that President Saied has made. These actions are part of his broader strategy to cleanse state institutions and combat corruption in order to build a more transparent and accountable government. By taking such bold measures, President Saied aims to restore faith in Tunisian institutions and demonstrate his commitment to upholding the principles of good governance.
However, these actions have not been without criticism. President Saied’s opponents argue that his enhanced powers, acquired after dissolving parliament and implementing exceptional measures in 2021, have led to accusations of establishing individual rule and undermining democracy.
In their view, his actions are seen as a consolidation of power rather than a genuine effort to tackle corruption and address the needs of the Tunisian people.
