Thousands protested in Tunis as Tunisia faces severe power cuts, wildfires, and a shrinking space for political dissent five years after President Kais Saied's power consolidation.
Key facts
- •Protesters in Tunis demonstrated on Saturday against President Kais Saied's consolidation of power and current living conditions.
- •Wildfires have destroyed approximately 4,400 hectares of land across the country.
- •State-owned electricity provider STEG is implementing power cuts lasting up to 12 hours to manage high demand during a heatwave.
- •Most leadership of the Ennahdha party, including 85-year-old Rached Ghannouchi, remains in jail.
- •Satirist Heythem El Mekki fled Tunisia after being sentenced to one year in prison for past social media commentary.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Tunisia's capital on Saturday to demonstrate against President Kais Saied’s rule, citing worsening living conditions and an increasingly autocratic government. The protests occurred five years after Saied suspended parliament and assumed emergency powers. Demonstrators faced counter-protesters who supported the president, while the country simultaneously grapples with a heatwave, wildfires, and frequent, long-lasting power outages.
By the numbers
Economic and Infrastructure Crisis
Tunisia is currently experiencing severe infrastructure failures, including staggered power cuts that can last up to 12 hours. These outages, implemented by the state-owned company STEG to manage high demand, have damaged crops and industries, and led to reports of livestock deaths and health risks for vulnerable citizens. Meanwhile, wildfires have destroyed an estimated 4,400 hectares of land, with the government facing criticism for an alleged lack of central planning to address these emergencies.
Political Climate and Dissent
The political landscape has shifted significantly, with most government critics now either jailed or in exile. High-profile figures, including Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, remain imprisoned, while others like satirist Heythem El Mekki have fled the country following legal action. Journalists and academics report widespread self-censorship, as the government continues to target opposition, civil society, and media outlets under the guise of maintaining stability.
International Stance
Despite concerns regarding democratic backsliding and human rights, Tunisia maintains support from several external partners. The European Union has prioritized stability and migration management in its dealings with the Tunisian government. Additionally, neighboring Algeria has pledged to support Tunisia against threats to its stability, while Italy continues to work with the country on migration issues despite reported frustrations with the local bureaucracy.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al Jazeera.
