Protests in Tunis Enter Second Month
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tunisia's capital on Thursday, calling for the ousting of President Kais Saied and the restoration of democracy, as reported by Al Jazeera. Demonstrators in Tunis said they reject "one-man rule" and "a slide towards dictatorship," and urged the release of jailed opposition figures, activists, and journalists.
Thursday's protest follows a similar one on July 25, which was scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of Saied's 2021 dismissal of the government and suspension of parliament. Saied began ruling by decree later that year and dissolved parliament in 2022.
Economic and Political Grievances
The demonstration occurred amid growing economic pressures during a summer of extreme heat. Tunisians face mounting cost-of-living pressures, deteriorating public services, and shortages of some basic goods and medicines. Tunisia's inflation rate currently sits at 5.2 percent, according to the World Bank, and investment has fallen precipitously. Saied's government has introduced cost-saving measures, including halting public sector hiring and reducing imports.
One demonstrator, activist Wissem Sghaier, said the country is "experiencing a complete collapse," as reported by Reuters. Another protester, Youssef Hleli, said: "I'm trying to defend my country because I see it heading towards the abyss, without any programmes or planning." He added: "The country has hit a wall. There is no water or electricity. What I see is that the country is going backwards, while others have moved ahead of us."
Protests Over Services and Environment
Recent weeks have seen protests in several parts of the country over water and power cuts and environmental problems, suggesting public anger is spreading beyond political disputes to everyday hardships. Major wildfires hit Tunisia this summer, and the heat wave pushed electricity demand to record levels, leading state-owned utility STEG to introduce rationing measures in several regions. The power cuts affected water pumping stations, worsening water access issues.
Saied's Background and Reforms
Saied, a 68-year-old independent politician and former constitutional lawyer, was elected in 2019. His campaign refused to take money and relied on volunteers, focusing on tackling corruption. He helped draft Tunisia's 2014 democratic constitution but later spoke out against elements of it.
Since 2021, Saied has presided over increasing restrictions on independent media, civil society, and dissenting voices, according to Al Jazeera. He introduced judicial reforms giving him control over courts via a new governing body, and mass trials of political opponents. Rights groups say Saied has presided over a broad crackdown targeting opposition leaders, independent civil society groups, journalists, and activists.
Saied accuses his critics of receiving foreign funding to stir unrest and destabilise Tunisia's national interests.
Opposition Collective and Slogans
The protest was mobilised by a new opposition collective called Nafas, launched in May. Nafas seeks to bring together political parties and independent figures beyond the traditional opposition to Saied. Recent slogans at the protests included "the people want the fall of the regime" and "Dégage" (Get Out).