President Kais Saied appointed Najla Bouden Ramdhane as Tunisia’s Prime Minister in a bid to battle corruption, curb rising inflation — which currently stands at 6.2% — and boost state finances.
Bouden is a university lecturer specialising in geophysics with little political prowess, according to critics.
Political scientist Slaheddine Jourchi proved sceptical of Bouden’s appointment, telling Agence France-Presse (AFP), “When we look at the CV of this lady, who is a geologist without other specialisations or experience in sensitive roles, I don’t know how well she will be able to tackle these enormous, complex issues.”
With experience implementing World Bank projects at the education ministry, Bouden was chosen to form part of Saied’s transitional government.
The move follows both domestic and international pressure on Saied to form a proper government after he dismissed former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi due to a series of protests against the Ennahda Movement, economic hardship and a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.
In July 2021, he invoked emergency powers from Article 80 of the Tunisian constitution, suspending the activities of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People and assuming executive authority.
The speaker of the Tunisian parliament and leader of the Ennahda Movement, Rached Ghannouchi, claimed Saied’s actions were a threat to democracy in Tunisia, encouraging civilians to protest against his “coup.”
Bouden will be in charge of finding $5 billion to finance a projected budget deficit and loan repayments, following repayment of $1 billion from foreign currency reserves this summer.