Protests against Tunisian President Kais Saied broke out in Tunis on October 15th on claims of corruption and tyranny. Thousands have organized in different areas of the capital to express their anger and demand President Saied leave or be removed from office. Tunisia has been in a long-running economic crisis for years, and many blame this situation or the state’s lack of improvement on the current president. In fact, protesters are quoted as saying Saied is a “failed dictator” and has even set Tunisia back “many years”. They claim a revolution against Saied and denounce the current coup. The country reports growing poverty and unemployment, as well as supply shortages due to the crisis in Russia and Ukraine, particularly food shortages. Many citizens must participate in community rationing, and consider food and water availability a priority over Tunisia’s democracy. Tunisia’s middle class has taken the largest hit, with the divide becoming increasingly prominent due to the economic crisis. Rural areas have been affected the most, but many in the city are also impacted by the crisis as they are protesting in large numbers. The biggest accusations made against President Saied are his consolidation of political power and evading accountability for the country’s economy.
Saied assumed power in 2019, shut down parliament last year, and created a new constitution to expand his powers in July. He claims these actions were necessary to improve Tunisia’s economy, but many believe they undermine democracy and are of corrupt nature. Saied does claim to be working on improving the crisis, and is in the process of gaining a bail out loan from the International Monetary Fund for about $2bn, though there have been no official statements.
Saied definitely has a penchant for power, as most rulers do, and I believe the people are exhibiting a realistic perspective when they condemn him. He has the behavior of a dictator, and is threatening Tunisia’s state of democracy by reworking the government to provide him more power. Even though dictators can sometimes be a solid leading figure and help a country rise, Saied is not exactly working for the people and is struggling to lead the country out of it’s economic crisis.