Tunisia Four years after President Kais Saied seized extraordinary powers in a dramatic political shift, hundreds of Tunisians returned to the streets of the capital on Friday to protest what many see as the dismantling of the country’s democratic foundations.
The demonstrations, held on the anniversary of Saied’s July 25, 2021 move to suspend parliament and begin ruling by decree, highlighted growing frustration with his increasingly authoritarian rule. Protesters gathered in central Tunis, waving banners and chanting, “No fear, no terror, power to the people.”
What was once hailed as a bold promise of political reform is now widely criticized as a return to repression. Opposition leaders, families of political detainees, and activists marked the day as a symbol of lost democratic promise.
“July 25 was supposed to be Republic Day, but it’s become a day of oppression,” said Samir Dilo of the National Salvation Front. “The revolution was crushed. We’ve seen one man take over all powers.”
The streets were lined with posters of imprisoned opposition figures, including Rached Ghannouchi of the Ennahda party, as protesters called for the release of political prisoners across the spectrum.
Women played a prominent role in the protest, decrying the detention of female lawyers, activists, and politicians. “No one imagined we’d see free Tunisian women imprisoned for their opinions,” said activist Hafsia Bourguiba.
Since 2021, President Saied has dissolved key judicial bodies, removed judges, and overseen the imprisonment of political opponents, lawyers, and journalists. Many face prosecution under broad anti-terrorism and conspiracy laws. Amnesty International recently criticized Tunisia for intensifying its crackdown on dissent and using vague legislation to target opposition and marginalized voices.
As Tunisia grapples with economic challenges and political unrest, public disillusionment continues to grow. Friday’s protest underscored the resilience of civil society and the enduring hope for a return to democratic governance.
