TUNIS, – Activists and opponents of Tunisian President Kais Saied took to the streets of Tunis on Thursday, calling for his departure and the restoration of democracy in the latest protest against his governance amid growing political and economic discontent.
The protests do not, in themselves, signal an imminent political shift, but they reflect growing pressure on the president and underscore the ability of Saied’s opponents to mobilise in the streets despite their divisions. Rights groups accuse Saied’s government of carrying out a broad crackdown targeting opposition leaders, independent civil society groups, journalists and activists. They say Saied has used the judiciary and security forces to suppress opponents.
A similar demonstration took place last month, coinciding with the anniversary of measures by Saied on July 25, 2021, when he dismissed the government and later dissolved the elected parliament and began governing by decree.
Hundreds of protesters said they reject “one-man rule” and “a slide towards dictatorship,” and urged the release of jailed opposition figures, activists and journalists.
