Tunisian President Kais Saied removed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday, after only a year in office.

According to a statement from the presidency, Said has nominated Kamel Maddouri, Minister of Social Affairs, to take up the post.

Hachani stated in a video message just hours before his departure that the administration had made success on various fronts, despite problems such as rising food and energy prices.

The firing comes amid considerable displeasure with the continued water and energy disruptions across the country.

The administration blames these concerns on a persistent drought, which has resulted in water rationing.

The agriculture ministry states that the dam level is critically low at 25%, while Saied sees the water problems as a scheme before of the presidential election, claiming that the dams are actually fully operational.

Saied announced his candidacy for president in October, prompting strong criticism from the opposition, human rights organizations, and other candidates who accuse him of repressing and terrorizing opponents in order to secure a second term.

AFRICANEWS