Tunisian Streets Fill with Hundreds Demanding President Kais Saied’s Resignation

On August 20, activists and opponents of President Kais Saied gathered in Tunis, carrying banners that called for the president’s departure and the restoration of democratic freedoms. Demonstrators shouted against “one-man rule,” condemned deteriorating public services, and demanded the release of jailed opposition figures, activists and journalists. The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights (FTDES) reported that hundreds of protests have been recorded across the country in recent weeks, many focused on acute drinking-water shortages and rolling electricity outages.

The Straits Times

The current unrest echoes a previous demonstration held the month before the anniversary of July 25, 2021, when Saied dismissed the government, dissolved the elected parliament and began ruling by decree. He later dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and removed dozens of judges, claiming a fight against judicial corruption. International rights groups condemned these moves as undermining judicial independence and widening the gap between the state and its citizens.

The Straits Times

Protesters linked political repression to a broader economic crisis. They highlighted soaring cost-of-living pressures, shortages of basic goods and medicines, and frequent water and power cuts that have left many neighborhoods in darkness. The FTDES noted that the water scarcity and electricity outages have become focal points for public anger, expanding the protests beyond purely political grievances.

France 24

President Saied rejected accusations of a crackdown, stating that his government is “enforcing the law” and targeting individuals suspected of financial corruption or conspiracies against the state. He framed the arrests of opposition leaders and journalists as legitimate actions against criminal activity rather than political repression.

The Straits Times

• “Enough of the failure, enough of the injustice and enough of the absurdity. The country is experiencing a complete collapse,” — Wissem Sghaier, an activist

The Straits Times

• “There's no state left, no institutions -- just a man who ignores everything, leading the country,” — Ezzeddine Hazgui

France 24