Hundreds of people took to the streets of Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, on Thursday, demanding the resignation of President Kais Saied and calling for the restoration of democratic freedoms.
The demonstration comes amid growing political tensions and mounting economic difficulties, including shortages of water and electricity that have affected communities across the country.
Protesters Demand Change
The protest was organised by Nafas, a newly formed opposition collective seeking to unite political parties and independent figures opposed to Saied’s rule.
Demonstrators called for improvements in basic public services, an end to medicine shortages and rising living costs, and greater respect for political and civil liberties.
Some protesters also used slogans associated with Tunisia’s 2011 Arab Spring uprising, including calls for the fall of the regime and the French-language slogan “Dégage”, meaning “Get out.”
Protester Youssef Hleli said he joined the demonstration because he believed the country was moving in the wrong direction.
“The country has hit a wall. There is no water or electricity,” he said, arguing that Tunisia was falling behind other countries.
Heatwave Worsens Power and Water Problems
The latest demonstration also comes during a period of extreme heat that has placed additional pressure on Tunisia’s electricity and water infrastructure.
Record electricity demand prompted state-owned utility STEG to introduce power rationing in several regions.
The electricity shortages also affected water-pumping stations, worsening existing concerns over access to drinking water.
The combination of political dissatisfaction and worsening public-service problems has added to pressure on the government.
Growing Calls for Saied to Step Down
The latest protest follows a demonstration in July that coincided with the anniversary of Saied’s decision in 2021 to dismiss the government and suspend parliament.
Since then, critics have accused the president of weakening democratic institutions and restricting political opposition, independent media and civil society.
Recent protests have featured increasingly direct calls for Saied to leave office, reflecting a shift from criticism of specific government policies to demands for a change in leadership.
Saied Defends His Actions
Saied has defended his political decisions, arguing that they were necessary to tackle corruption and restore stability in Tunisia.
He has also accused some of his opponents of receiving foreign funding and attempting to create unrest or undermine the country’s national interests.
Tunisia, which became the starting point of the Arab Spring pro-democracy uprisings in 2011, is once again facing a difficult political and economic period as opposition groups seek to mobilise public support against Saied.
