Massive Tunisian protest erupts against President Kais Saied's rule
Thousands gathered in Tunis on Saturday, the largest anti-Saied demonstration in years, accusing the president of harming democracy and the economy.
In the Tunis capital, a broad coalition of unions, professional groups and civil-society organisations staged the biggest protest against President Kais Saied in recent memory. Participants marched down Habib Bourguiba Avenue, chanting slogans that rejected fear and demanded power return to the people. They highlighted chronic electricity and water disruptions, medicine scarcities and a collapsing economy, and demanded the freeing of detained opponents and protection of trade-union rights.
The UGTT union led the demonstration, which also featured lawyers, doctors, journalists and unemployed workers. Authorities responded with a substantial police presence across the city. The protest signals a significant challenge to Saied, who has ruled by decree since seizing power in 2021.
Why it matters
The protest shows growing public backlash against Saied's authoritarian measures and worsening economic conditions in Tunisia.
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