Hundreds Protest in Tunis Against President Saied Over Freedoms and Economic Strain

Mintesinot Niggusie

Authorities and rights groups in Tunisia are bracing for further labour and media protests after hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Tunis on Saturday to voice opposition to President Kais Saied, amid rising tensions over governance, civil liberties and economic conditions.

The demonstration in the capital brought together protesters who accused the president of weakening freedoms and intensifying a social and economic crisis. The rally was held under the slogan “The people are hungry and prisons are full,” with participants also alleging increased use of the judiciary and security services to silence dissent.

Tunisia is facing sustained economic pressure, including sluggish growth, rising prices, shortages of medicines and some food items, tightening financing conditions and deteriorating public services. Ahead of the protest, the Tunisian bar association called for strikes in the coming days, citing concerns over judicial independence.

Separately, the journalists’ union said it planned demonstrations over the detention of journalists and restrictions on press freedom. President Saied has been under increasing scrutiny from rights organisations since dissolving parliament and assuming rule by decree in 2022. Critics argue the move has eroded the country’s post-2011 democratic system.

Saied has rejected such allegations, saying his measures are necessary to address corruption and prevent political instability. Authorities have maintained that they are enforcing the law and have dismissed accusations of political repression.