Story perspectives

Arab Spring's Legacy: Authoritarianism Resurges in Egypt, Tunisia

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Fifteen years after the Arab Spring, Egypt and Tunisia have intensified authoritarianism, as President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt consolidates power through sham elections and oppressive laws and President Kais Saied of Tunisia expands authority while curtailing opposition.
Both countries face rising internal debt, inflation, and poverty, with citizens increasingly dissatisfied.
Despite repression, the desire for democracy persists, as protests continue and uprisings' memories shape future political struggles.

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Story summary

Fifteen years after the Arab Spring, Egypt and Tunisia have intensified authoritarianism, as President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt consolidates power through sham elections and oppressive laws and President Kais Saied of Tunisia expands authority while curtailing opposition.
Both countries face rising internal debt, inflation, and poverty, with citizens increasingly dissatisfied.
Despite repression, the desire for democracy persists, as protests continue and uprisings' memories shape future political struggles.