Tunisia grapples with five years of crisis since Saied’s power grab

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that thousands of Tunisians demonstrated in Tunis around the fifth anniversary of President Kais Saied’s July 2021 suspension of parliament and assumption of emergency powers, as the country faces deep economic strain and an intensifying political standoff. The protest on Habib Bourguiba Avenue was organized by opposition parties and the Nafas civil initiative, with participants denouncing worsening living conditions, water and electricity cuts, and democratic backsliding.

The report says Tunisia remains sharply split over Saied’s rule. Supporters describe his 2021 moves, which included dismissing Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, as a necessary correction after years of post-revolution dysfunction. Opponents argue that power has become concentrated in the presidency, institutions have weakened, and political repression has expanded. Economists and political analysts interviewed by Al Jazeera linked the crisis to poor investment conditions, populist policymaking, high taxes and the absence of a coherent economic plan.

Economics professor Ridha Chkoundali told Al Jazeera that investment fell from an average of 20 percent of GDP in 2015-2019 to 8 percent in 2023. The article also cites high food inflation, rising unemployment among graduates and emigration pressures. Former minister Mohamed Abbou criticized Saied’s governance and handling of an International Monetary Fund deal, while analyst Souhaib Mezrigui argued the roots of the crisis predate Saied and lie in the failures of Tunisia’s political class since 2011.

Protesters also demanded the release of jailed political figures, including Ennahdha leader and former parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi, whose health has reportedly worsened in prison. The anniversary drew foreign criticism as well: US Representative Joe Wilson called for tougher travel warnings and sanctions legislation targeting Saied and his circle.