Thousands Of Tunisians Protest Against The President

Thousands of Tunisians Protest Against President TUNISIA Tunisia Thousands of Tunisians marched through the capital Saturday in the largest protest against President Kais Saied in years over worsening living conditions and restrictions on political freedoms. More than 3,000 people took part in the demonstration in Tunis, although the total could not be independently confirmed. The march was led by the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) alongside opposition parties and civil society organizations. Demonstrators marched along Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a focal point of the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and helped trigger the Arab Spring protests across the region. Protesters called for the release of Saied’s critics and an end to what they described as attacks on trade union rights, while also voicing anger over unemployment, poverty and deteriorating public services. Tunisia has faced years of economic difficulties, including recurring water and electricity cuts, as well as shortages of medicines and other essential goods. Saturday’s demonstration followed protests in August over rising prices and shortages, while fuel transport workers held a two-day strike last month over wages and working conditions. The protest also marked a rare show of unity among opposition groups whose longstanding divisions have weakened their ability to mobilize against Saied. Saied expanded his powers in 2021 and 2022 by dissolving parliament, dismissing dozens of judges and ruling by decree. Opponents described the moves as a coup, while rights groups accuse his government of intensifying a crackdown on journalists, civil society and political opponents. Saied rejects accusations that he is a dictator and has accused his opponents of engineering economic crises to fuel unrest.