Protests in Tunisia: Crisis Unfolds Ahead of Elections

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Tunis on Saturday, expressing their anger over what they see as the country’s declining state of affairs, as the presidential election campaign officially begins.

Samia Abbou, a former Tunisian MP who attended the protest, strongly criticized President Kaïs Saïed for his failure to address the country’s key issues. Protesters held signs condemning the rising prices of basic goods and the increasing threats to civil liberties.

These scenes are reminiscent of 2011, when protests led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, sparking uprisings across the Arab world. Today, more than a decade later, protester Sghaier Zakraoui voiced concerns over the growing number of political figures being arrested under Saïed’s rule, calling for an end to attacks on civil rights.

These protests come following an announcement by the main opposition party, Ennahda, that its senior leaders have been arrested en masse in recent days, marking an unprecedented escalation.

Meanwhile, Kaïs Saïed is preparing to launch his campaign for re-election on October 6, hoping to secure a second term. In 2019, he captured voters’ attention with promises to fight corruption, winning the support of Tunisians frustrated by the political turmoil that followed the revolution.

Since taking office, the 66-year-old president has tightened his grip on power, suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution. During his tenure, many journalists, activists, and political opponents across a wide range of ideologies have been arrested.

Despite his promises to chart a new course for the country, Tunisia continues to face high unemployment rates, reaching 16%, with young Tunisians particularly affected, making it one of the highest in the region.