Tunisian President Kais Saied, has named a geologist with little government experience, Najla Bouden Romdhane, as the country’s first female prime minister.

President Saied appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, in Tunis, amid a crisis following his seizure of powers.

Najla Bouden Romdhane’s appointment comes after her implementation of World Bank projects at the education ministry. The President’s decision however initiated a surge in Tunisian bond prices.

Speaking in an online video, President Saied revealed that Bouden’s appointment honoured Tunisian women and asked her to propose a cabinet in the coming hours or days “because we have lost a lot of time”.

During his speech, he repeatedly emphasised the “historic” nomination of a woman, calling it “an honour for Tunisia and a homage to Tunisian women”.

President Saied stated that the new government’s main mission would be to “put an end to the corruption and chaos that have spread throughout many state institutions”. This, he noted, includes areas in health, transport and education.

Women in politics

Having been elected in 2019, President Saied has been under domestic and international pressure to name a government after he dismissed the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority in July in moves his foes call a coup.

In Arab countries, women have rarely held senior political roles. However, in Tunisia, President Saied has also appointed a woman, Nadia Akacha, as chief of staff, his closest and most powerful aide.

A week prior, the President suspended most of the constitution, saying he could rule by decree during an “exceptional” period with no set ending. He further called into question democratic gains after Tunisia’s 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring protests.

Najla Bouden Romdhane is expected to have less direct power than previous prime ministers under the 2014 constitution.

A Former parliamentary officer, Cherif El Kadhi, has disclosed that Prime Minister Romdhane may form a cabinet that will be “formally approved” by a swearing-in ceremony in front of the President.

“Saeed is against or opposed to many parts of the 2014 constitution. He wants a new regime and he’s really willing to change the political system at probably any cost”.
Cherif El Kadhi

New government in Tunisia

Newly appointed prime minister Romdhane will be Tunisia’s tenth prime minister since a 2011 uprising that overthrew long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Currently, Tunisia faces a looming public finance crisis after years of economic stagnation. The situation was compounded by the coronavirus pandemic and political wrangling.

Despite the crippling challenges, the country won international plaudits for its democratic transition. But many Tunisians have seen little improvement in their lives and have become disillusioned with a dysfunctional and corrupt political process.

The newly instituted government will have to move swiftly to seek financial support for the budget and debt repayments. This comes in handy after President Saied’s power grab in July put talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on hold.

President Saied’s decision has placed a huge executive power in his hands as he will head the cabinet.