Thousands of Tunisians demonstrated in downtown Tunis on Saturday, expressing their discontent with President Kais Saied, criticizing the detention of opposition members and deteriorating economic situations as increasing scrutiny is placed on his concentration of authority.
The protest gathered opposition activists, lawyers, journalists, and civil society organizations demanding an end to what they referred to as a single-person regime.
Demonstrators held signs that condemned the imprisonment of politicians, journalists, and activists, while alleging that officials are increasing limitations on opposition.
The event occurs amid rising tensions between the presidency and professional groups. Tunisia’s bar association has declared strike actions, citing a decrease in judicial independence, while the journalists’ union is organizing demonstrations against the detention of journalists and limitations on press freedom.
Protesters also focused on the government’s economic performance, highlighting increasing costs, scarcity of certain medications and food items, financial strains, and deteriorating public services.
Tunisia is still dealing with slow economic growth and increasing financial challenges while officials look for outside funding and discuss terms with global creditors.
Since 2022, Saied has governed through executive orders after abolishing the parliament and restructuring Tunisia’s political framework, actions that opponents claim have eroded the democratic progress made after the 2011 uprising. Opposition groups and human rights groups allege that the presidency is using the judicial system and security forces to suppress dissent and consolidate power.
Saied has consistently denied claims of being authoritarian, stating that his actions are essential to fight corruption, political gridlock, and unrest.
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