Tunisia opposition protests against president amid economic discontent

Tunisian President Kais Saied faced protests in Tunis on Thursday, as activists and opponents called for his removal and the restoration of democracy amid growing political and economic discontent. Hundreds of demonstrators rejected one-man rule and a slide towards dictatorship, urging the release of jailed opposition figures, activists, and journalists.

Last month's demonstration coincided with the anniversary of Saied's actions in July 2021, when he dismissed the government, dissolved the elected parliament, and began governing by decree. The president later dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and sacked dozens of judges, accusing them of corruption. Rights groups have condemned Saied's actions, calling them an undermining of judicial independence.

The protests do not signal an imminent political shift, but reflect the ability of Saied's opponents to mobilize in the streets despite divisions. Demonstrators carried banners demanding the restoration of freedoms while criticizing the country's deteriorating economic and social conditions, including water and power cuts and shortages of basic goods and medicines.

Rights groups accuse Saied's government of a broad crackdown targeting opposition leaders, independent civil society groups, journalists, and activists, alleging the use of the judiciary and security forces to suppress opponents. Saied denies accusations of political repression, stating he enforces the law and pursues those suspected of financial corruption or conspiring against the state.