Protests in Tunisia demand the resignation of Kais Saied and the release of political prisoners - Sarmad
Hundreds of opponents of Tunisian President Kais Saied protested on Thursday in the capital, Tunis, calling for his resignation, the release of political prisoners, and the “restoration of the democratic path,” amid political divisions and an economic crisis.
Protesters in Habib Bourguiba Avenue chanted slogans condemning what they described as the entrenchment of one-man rule and a slide toward dictatorship, while holding signs demanding the release of detained opposition leaders, politicians, journalists, and activists.
The demonstration followed a large-scale protest in the capital last month, coinciding with the anniversary of the measures taken on July 25, 2021, when Saied dismissed the government, suspended and then dissolved the elected parliament, and subsequently ruled by decree. The opposition describes these measures as a “coup,” while the president maintains they were necessary to end corruption and political paralysis.
A heavy security presence surrounded the protest area, which saw participation from civil society activists, opposition political parties, and currents.
The protests were called by the popular “Nafas” movement under the slogan “Enough of recklessness.” The Ennahda Movement, via its official page, announced its call for its supporters and all Tunisians to participate in the gathering at Republic Square (Bab Saadoun). The National Salvation Front, which includes opposition forces and considers Ennahda one of its main components, also endorsed this move.
Assessments of the turnout varied; some media outlets considered participation limited, while the movement’s organizers and its supporters viewed it as a new milestone for consolidating opposition forces and returning protests to the streets.
The participation of Ennahda and the National Salvation Front also sparked divisions among opposition factions. Other political forces, including elements from the Free Destourian Party and secular currents, abstained from participating in actions involving Ennahda. Additionally, controversy arose over a post by the National Salvation Front that featured an image of President Saied alongside the late President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, prompting some parties to declare their refusal to protest under similar slogans.
The protests come amid growing cost-of-living pressures, including rising living costs, declining public services, and shortages of certain goods and medicines. Over the past few weeks, several areas have also witnessed local movements protesting water and electricity outages and environmental problems.
