Beneath Tunisia’s silence, public anger simmers

Tunisia is experiencing a period of simmering public anger five years after President Kais Saied's significant power consolidation, a move that has diminished hopes for democratic progress following the 2011 revolution. The public's sense of participation in shaping a new constitution and democratic order has largely evaporated, replaced by a focus on sports and entertainment in media coverage.

The economy, a key driver of the 2011 uprising and a justification for Saied's 2021 actions, has been left to deteriorate. Amidst a severe heatwave and widespread wildfires, which have destroyed thousands of hectares of land, routine blackouts have become a common occurrence. These power outages, implemented by the state-owned electricity company STEG to manage overwhelming demand for cooling, are damaging crops and Tunisian industries.

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Five years ago, Kais Saied buried Tunisia’s democratic transition and dragged the country back into authoritarianism. His record is one of human rights crisis: the dismantling of the rule of law, and the targeting of the opposition, civil society and the media in turn, to strip Tunisians of their civil and political rights and participation in public affairs. No critic is safe under his rule.

On Saturday, thousands took to the streets of the capital. Protesters voiced opposition to Saied's perceived autocratic rule and the worsening living conditions. They were met by counter-demonstrators supporting the president, who called for "traitors" to be jailed. Journalists, operating under a crackdown on media, have reportedly shaped their coverage to reflect the government's stance.

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There is no plan for anything. Typically, countries know that when summer comes, there will be increased demand for electricity and water, so they plan for it. In Tunisia, we have no money and no investment – and no plan.

Human Rights Watch expressed concern over the situation. "Five years ago, Kais Saied buried Tunisia’s democratic transition and dragged the country back into authoritarianism," said Salsabil Chellali, Tunisia director at Human Rights Watch. "His record is one of human rights crisis: the dismantling of the rule of law, and the targeting of the opposition, civil society and the media in turn, to strip Tunisians of their civil and political rights and participation in public affairs. No critic is safe under his rule."

An anonymous analyst based in Tunisia criticized the lack of foresight. "There is no plan for anything," the analyst told Al Jazeera. "Typically, countries know that when summer comes, there will be increased demand for electricity and water, so they plan for it. In Tunisia, we have no money and no investment – and no plan." The analyst described the situation as akin to being "in a ship being captained by a man with no knowledge of sailing."

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It’s like we’re in a ship being captained by a man with no knowledge of sailing.