Tunisians rally demanding Saied's resignation amid economic woes and democratic backsliding

Thousands of Tunisians marched through the capital on Saturday, calling for President Kais Saied to step down. The demonstrators denounced the country's deteriorating living conditions, democratic backsliding, and mismanagement under Saied's rule. The rally coincided with the fifth anniversary of Saied's declaration of a national emergency, which led to the suspension and subsequent dissolution of parliament, allowing him to rule by decree.

Opponents accuse Saied of exploiting emergency measures to reverse Tunisia's democratic transition. "We took to the streets today to hold the system of governance to account and to expose its failures," said Wissam Sghaier, spokesman for the Jomhouri opposition party. He added, "We are not tenants of this country, we are its owners." Sghaier stated that even if they face fabricated charges and imprisonment for their actions, they are prepared to pay the price.

The marchers, carrying flags and banners, rejected Saied's "July 25 path" national program. They chanted slogans demanding Saied's departure, calling for "freedom, work and national dignity," and reviving the cry "the people want the fall of the regime." These same words echoed through the same avenue during Tunisia's 2011 democratic revolution.

Many protesters held signs and chanted for the release of political prisoners, who have been detained since Saied consolidated power. The protest was initiated by Nafas, an umbrella group uniting opposition parties and independent figures critical of Saied's consolidation of power. Imed al-Khamiri, a spokesman for the Ennahdha party, noted that the protests have grown beyond traditional opposition to include citizens disillusioned with the government's handling of economic issues and public services.

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We took to the streets today to hold the system of governance to account and to expose its failures, because it is our role as political and civil forces. And to use popular Tunisian expressions: We are not tenants of this country, we are its owners. If for that reason they’re going to fabricate cases against us and accuse us, then when our friends and comrades are imprisoned today, prisons are welcome. We are ready to pay the price.