Mass rally in Tunis urges President Kais Saied to resign

Hundreds of Tunisians converged on the streets of Tunis on Thursday, chanting slogans that called for President Kais Saied to leave office. The demonstrators, many carrying Tunisian flags and placards, marched through the city centre and gathered near the presidential palace, where they raised their voices against what they described as an increasingly authoritarian rule.

The protest comes at a time when Tunisia faces a deepening economic crisis, marked by soaring inflation, high unemployment and frequent power cuts. Critics of Saied argue that his consolidation of power since the 2019 election, including the suspension of parliament and the overhaul of the constitution in 2022, has eroded democratic checks and amplified public frustration.

Organisers, who declined to give their names, said the rally was intended to signal a broader demand for political renewal. They called for free elections, the restoration of parliamentary authority and the implementation of reforms that could revive the struggling economy. While the crowd remained largely peaceful, police presence was visible, and authorities warned that any escalation could lead to arrests.

International observers have noted that Tunisia’s political trajectory has drawn concern from regional partners and Western governments, who have warned that continued unrest could jeopardise foreign aid and investment. Nonetheless, the protestors insisted that their grievances are rooted in domestic realities, not external influence.

The government has not yet issued an official response to the demonstration. However, officials reiterated a commitment to maintaining public order and hinted at possible dialogue with civil society groups. Whether the call for Saied’s resignation will translate into concrete political change remains uncertain, but the gathering underscored a palpable desire among many Tunisians for a shift in leadership and policy direction.