Thousands of Tunisians marched through the streets of Tunis on Saturday, demanding the resignation of President Kais Saied. Demonstrators held signs that read “Get out,” “Game over,” and “Only Kaïs remains happy,” while chanting slogans against the president’s rule.
The protest came as the country marked five years since Saied suspended parliament in 2021 and later dissolved it, ruling by decree. Protesters accused the government of worsening living conditions, democratic backsliding, and mismanagement of the state. They also highlighted the crackdown on dissent, a struggling Economy, and limits on press freedom.
Academic and sociology researcher Mouldi Gassoumi said the march was a call for citizens “to rediscover the values and principles of the Republic.” He added, “Unfortunately, these values began to be abandoned on 25 July 2021, since what I have repeatedly described as a ‘coup d’état against the constitutional order’.” The march was the latest in a string of demonstrations opposing the president’s authoritarian measures.
Protesters displayed portraits of imprisoned journalist Mourad Zghidi, and his sister urged people to resist, saying people today are “oppressed and imprisoned.” She added, “And those who could bring added value to this country are behind bars. The country is facing great dangers, and we must take to the streets to defend its achievements.”
Saturday’s demonstration unfolded amid growing social tensions. In recent days, Tunisia has been hit by an intense heatwave that sparked multiple wildfires and caused repeated power and water outages, deepening public frustration over the decline in basic services.
The protests in Tunis reflect a broader pattern of civil unrest across the country, as citizens confront a political environment that many view as increasingly authoritarian. The demonstrations underscore the urgency of addressing economic hardship, restoring democratic institutions, and ensuring reliable public services. As the heatwave continues and basic utilities remain unstable, the call for change is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
