Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – Tunisians took to the streets in significant numbers on Tuesday to commemorate the two-year anniversary of President Kais Saied’s controversial seizure of power through the suspension of Parliament. Over 300 people gathered in Tunis, the nation’s capital, to protest against what they viewed as undemocratic actions by the president.
The protesters, comprising a diverse range of individuals from various political affiliations and civil society organizations, expressed their discontent with Saied’s decision to suspend the country’s legislative body. They argued that this move undermined Tunisia’s democratic institutions and violated the rights of the citizenry. Chanting slogans and brandishing placards, the demonstrators demanded the reinstatement of Parliament and a return to democratic governance.
The events of July 25, 2021, marked a turning point in Tunisian politics. President Saied, a political outsider who was elected in 2019, claimed that his actions were necessary to address the country’s political and economic crises. However, critics argue that the suspension of Parliament concentrated power in the hands of the president, effectively sidelining checks and balances within the government.
“This power grab was a clear violation of the democratic principles Tunisia fought so hard to establish after the Arab Spring,” said political analyst Zainab Ben Salah. “By suspending Parliament, President Saied effectively silenced the voice of the people and undermined the foundations of our democracy.”
The anniversary protests also served as a platform for Tunisians to express their frustrations with the current state of affairs in the country. Tunisia has been grappling with a myriad of challenges, including a struggling economy, high unemployment rates, and widespread social unrest. Many believe that the concentration of power in the presidency has hindered efforts to address these pressing issues.
“The suspension of Parliament has hindered the government’s ability to effectively respond to the needs of the people,” said civil society activist Hassan Ali. “This anniversary protest is a reminder that Tunisians will not stand idly by as their democratic rights are trampled upon.”
While the protests remained peaceful overall, there were reports of sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The government deployed a significant number of security personnel to ensure public safety during the demonstrations. Nevertheless, the peaceful nature of the protest highlights Tunisians’ commitment to expressing their grievances through nonviolent means.
As Tunisia marks two years since the presidential power grab, it is evident that the events of that day continue to shape the country’s political landscape. The anniversary protests serve as a reminder that Tunisians are determined to safeguard their hard-fought democratic rights and advocate for a return to inclusive governance.
These protests also send a message to President Saied and the government that the people’s demands for transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy cannot be ignored. Tunisians are hopeful that their collective actions will contribute to the restoration of democratic institutions and pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
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1. Africanews – Protests in Tunisia mark two years since presidential power grab
2. Google Search – Protests in Tunisia mark two years since presidential power grab
