Thousands rally for biggest protest in years against Tunisia’s Saied

What the report says

Thousands of Tunisians marched in central Tunis on Saturday in what Al Jazeera, citing AFP and Reuters, described as the largest protest against President Kais Saied in years. The demonstration was organised with backing from the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), opposition parties and civil society groups, bringing together people from across the political spectrum despite longstanding divisions among Saied’s critics.

The rally focused on two main grievances: worsening living conditions and tighter limits on political freedoms. Protesters gathered on Habib Bourguiba Avenue amid a heavy police presence and road closures. According to the article, participants included lawyers, doctors, journalists, unemployed people and activists. Signs and speeches called for the release of detained government critics, more space for trade union activity and an end to concentrated presidential power.

Al Jazeera reported that the country’s economic strain has deepened frustration, with recurring shortages, unreliable public services and lower purchasing power affecting daily life. A march participant from Sfax said basic-service disruptions had driven him to join the protest. The outlet also noted that the demonstrations echo the language of Tunisia’s 2011 uprising, which overthrew longtime ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Saied, elected after that period of political opening, later moved to concentrate power in the presidency by suspending parliament in 2021 and changing the political system through a new constitution in 2022, according to the report. Those steps remain central to opposition anger and help explain why this latest rally is being treated as a significant test of public dissent.