Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets of the capital this past weekend, protesting against what they describe as repression and the erosion of freedoms under President Kais Saied.

“The core ideals of the 2011 Arab Spring; democracy, free elections, press freedom, rule of law, and social justice, are fading,” warns Professor Laeed Zaghlami of the University of Algiers. He said many citizens view Saied’s actions, including consolidating power through the judiciary and sidelining political rivals, as increasingly autocratic.

The protests involved a broad cross-section of society, including journalists, doctors, bankers, and public transport workers, reflecting widespread frustration over political, economic, and social pressures. While some Tunisians welcome a return to strong governance, critics fear the country is drifting away from the freedoms won during the Arab Spring.

With elections approaching, Zaghlami says Tunisians are likely to express their demands for change through the ballot box, but the protests highlight growing tension between public calls for accountability and Saied’s tightening grip on power.

–ChannelAfrica–