New opposition group plans protest in Tunisia after extreme heat-driven power and water cuts

Tunisia is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees C (122 F) in some areas. The intense heat has led to a shortage of water and electricity, causing outrage among the population. In response, a new opposition group called Nafas mobilized protesters in the capital, Tunis, on Thursday. The demonstrators called for President Kais Saied to step down, demanding improvements to basic utility services, an end to medicine shortages, rising living costs, and restrictions on freedoms.

Protesters also criticized the president for failing to meet the people's demands since his election seven years ago. The protest took place amid concerns over access to drinking water, with shelves of bottled water emptying quickly as power cuts disrupted factory operations and production slowed due to a shortage of raw plastic materials.

Some participants, like university teacher Mohamed Hawel and social media influencer Oussama Farhat, expressed frustration with the deterioration of basic services and called for the fall of the Saied regime.