Tunisia is facing renewed street protests as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the capital Tunis, demanding President Kais Saied leave office and calling for the restoration of democracy.
Protesters voiced anger over rising living costs, shortages of essential goods, and deteriorating public services. They also highlighted severe water shortages and electricity cuts, which have become particularly painful during an extreme summer heatwave.
Demonstrators carried signs demanding better access to water, electricity, healthcare and medicines, while also calling for greater freedom of expression.
The protesters are additionally demanding the release of opposition figures, activists and journalists whom rights groups say have been jailed for political reasons.
The latest demonstration follows years of growing criticism of Saied’s rule. In July 2021, he dismissed the government, suspended parliament and later dissolved the legislature, while eventually ruling by decree.
Saied maintains that his actions are lawful and necessary to fight corruption and protect the state.
But opposition groups say Tunisia has suffered a serious decline in political freedoms under his leadership.
With economic hardship now adding to political tensions, the latest protests show that public anger is increasingly extending beyond politics to the basic conditions of everyday life.
