Five years after Saied’s power grab, Tunisia’s old grievances resurface | News
Tunisia Faces Renewed Discontent, Echoing 2011 Revolution Demands
Tunis, Tunisia — More than 15 years after the Tunisian revolution saw the ousting of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, protests have once again erupted across the country, fueled by persistent socio-economic grievances. Demonstrators are reviving the revolutionary slogan of “employment, freedom, and national dignity,” reflecting widespread dissatisfaction stemming from ongoing issues such as water shortages, electricity outages, inflation, and a lack of affordable medicine.
This wave of unrest occurs as Tunisia commemorates the fifth anniversary of President Kais Saied’s controversial suspension of parliament and dismissal of the government in July 2021. Saied characterized these actions as necessary steps to combat political deadlock and corruption that plagued the nation in the years following the 2011 revolution. Although many initially supported his moves, frustrations have only intensified as the political landscape has shifted, leaving diminished avenues for dissent.
The decade following Ben Ali’s removal saw Tunisia experience competitive elections and a burgeoning civil society. However, instability, political disputes, and a stagnant economy persisted. As of late 2020, the unemployment rate stood at 17.4%, according to the World Bank, with youth unemployment particularly high.
Tunisia’s security environment has also deteriorated, highlighted by deadly attacks and political assassinations that have further weakened sectors such as tourism. Such discontent provided fertile ground for Saied’s rise as a self-styled outsider committed to reforming what many viewed as a dysfunctional political system.
On July 25, 2021, Saied suspended the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, dismissed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, and lifted parliamentary immunity, asserting he was acting to address a national crisis. His opponents quickly described these acts as a coup. Following the dissolution of parliament, a new constitution was adopted in 2022, consolidating further presidential powers.
Critics, including journalists, opposition figures, and human rights advocates, have faced increased restrictions, with many jailed or prosecuted in what rights groups term politically motivated cases. Human Rights Watch has highlighted a “conspiracy case” involving allegations that various public figures aimed to undermine state security. A Tunis court initially sentenced 37 defendants to lengthy prison terms, and subsequent appeals upheld many of those convictions, drawing further condemnation from rights organizations.
While many economic issues predate Saied’s presidency, he ascended to power promising a stronger state capable of rectifying the failings of his predecessors. Instead, widespread frustrations over water and electricity shortages have swelled. Record-high temperatures this summer have exacerbated the crisis, leading to mandatory power cuts and water supply disruptions. Reports indicate some citizens went days without running water in the sweltering heat, amplifying social unrest.
Manel Derbali, a journalist, noted the stark decline in press freedom following Saied’s assumption of power. Following the 2011 revolution, journalists experienced heightened freedoms and support from the public. Now, Derbali indicated that responses to media inquiries could take months, with public discourse becoming increasingly stifled.
Recent protests, led by movements such as Nafas, have drawn participants beyond traditional opposition figures, indicating a broader public discontent that transcends past political divides. Rabii Qassem, a Nafas member, emphasized the need to confront the persisting challenges that have re-emerged since Saied took office. He pointed to ongoing issues of unemployment, inadequate public services, and water shortages as barriers to achieving the goals set forth during the revolution.
The current turmoil illustrates how entrenched economic and political grievances may increasingly converge. While many await tangible improvements, the avenues available for expressing dissent have substantially narrowed since Saied’s rise to power. As Tunisians again call for fundamental needs and freedoms, they find themselves confronting a government that initially promised change but is now often viewed as a departure from the democratic ideals many fought to achieve.
