Tunisians Protest Economic Strain and Arrests Under President Saied’s Rule
Protests and Political Climate in Tunisia
Public Demonstrations Against President Saied
TUNIS, May 16 (Reuters) - Hundreds of Tunisians protested in the capital Tunis on Saturday against President Kais Saied, accusing him of undermining freedoms and presiding over a worsening economic and social crisis.
The protest was held under the slogan: "The people are hungry and prisons are full".
Demands and Slogans of Protesters
Demonstrators called for an end to one-man rule and carried banners denouncing arrests of politicians, journalists and civil society figures, amid concerns of a widening crackdown on dissent.
Protesters also criticised what they said was Saied's failure to tackle the economic crisis, while using the judiciary and police to silence critics.
Economic Challenges Facing Tunisia
Current Economic Strain
Tunisia is facing acute economic strain, with sluggish growth, soaring prices, shortages of medicines and some food, financing pressures, and deteriorating public services.
Political Actions and Criticism
Saied, who dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree in 2022, has faced mounting criticism from rights groups over what they say is the dismantling of the post-2011 democratic system.
President Saied’s Response
Saied rejects those accusations, saying his measures are necessary to save the country from chaos and corruption.
Reactions from Civil Society and Authorities
Strikes and Protests by Professional Groups
The bar association has called for strikes in coming days over erosion of judicial independence, while the journalists' union plans protests against the jailing of journalists and restrictions on press freedom.
Official Response
Authorities say they are enforcing the law and reject accusations of political repression.
(Reporting by Tarek Amara. Editing by Mark Potter)
