Antigovernment protesters take to Tunisia’s streets for second month

What the report says

Hundreds of people marched in Tunis, Tunisia, on Thursday to demand the removal of President Kais Saied and a return to democratic rule, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The protesters rejected what they described as one-man rule and called for the release of opposition figures, activists and journalists who are currently jailed. The demonstration came about a month after a similar protest on July 25, which marked the anniversary of Saied’s move in 2021 to dismiss the government and suspend parliament.

Al Jazeera reported that the latest rally unfolded amid worsening economic and social pressures. Tunisia has faced higher living costs, weaker investment, deteriorating public services and shortages of some basic goods and medicines. The report also noted recent protests in other parts of the country over water and power cuts, as well as environmental problems, suggesting discontent is broadening beyond direct opposition to Saied.

Saied, who was elected in 2019, later governed by decree and dissolved parliament in 2022. Rights groups have criticized his administration for restrictions on opposition leaders, civil society groups, journalists and activists. The article said the government has also introduced cost-saving steps such as limiting public hiring and reducing imports, while the World Bank’s inflation estimate for Tunisia stands at 5.2 percent. These developments matter because they point to sustained public anger and continuing strain on Tunisia’s political and economic order.