Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tunis on Saturday, rallying against Kais Saied and accusing him of eroding freedoms while failing to address a deepening economic crisis.
Demonstrators gathered under the slogan “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” voicing anger over rising living costs and what they described as an expanding crackdown on dissent.
Protesters called for an end to one-man rule, carrying banners condemning the arrests of politicians, journalists and civil society figures. Critics say the government is increasingly relying on the judiciary and security forces to silence opposition voices.
Tunisia is grappling with mounting economic pressure, including slow growth, soaring prices, shortages of medicines and some food items, and declining public services. These challenges have intensified public frustration in recent months.
Saied, who dissolved parliament in 2022 and began ruling by decree, has faced sustained criticism from rights groups who argue that his actions have dismantled democratic gains made after the 2011 revolution.
The president has rejected those claims, insisting his measures are necessary to stabilise the country and root out corruption.
Tensions are expected to persist, with the national bar association calling for strikes over concerns about judicial independence, while the journalists’ union plans further protests against arrests and restrictions on press freedom.
Authorities maintain that their actions are lawful and deny accusations of political repression.
