Bouden, who was the first woman to head a government in Tunisia, was “terminated” shortly before midnight on Tuesday by the president who immediately appointed al-Hachani, a little-known former human resources director at Tunisia’s central bank.

No official explanation was given for Bouden’s dismissal, but several Tunisian media outlets highlighted Saied’s displeasure over shortages, particularly of bread in state-subsidised bakeries.

Bouden’s government is seen as having been unable to fix the economic and social crisis that Tunisia is mired in as resources dwindle and prices skyrocket.

Al-Hachani, who now takes over that responsibility, was sworn in before the president at Carthage Palace, according to the presidency.

“There are great challenges … in order to protect our homeland, our state and civil peace,” Saied told al-Hachani after he took the constitutional oath.

Najla Bouden Romdhane made history in September 2021 when she was appointed as Tunisia’s first female Prime Minister after months of political deadlock. However, her tenure has been marred by several dismissals, indicating underlying tensions within her government.

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