Tunisia Protests Mark Fifth Year of Emergency Rule Amid Calls for President Saied’s Resignation Tunis, Tunisia – July 26, 2026 – On the fifth anniversary of President Kais Saied’s declaration of a national emergency, thousands of Tunisians took to the streets in the capital, Tunis, to demand his resignation and decry the nation’s slide into democratic regression.
The protests, which coincided with the fourth anniversary of Saied’s controversial move to rule by decree, were fueled by widespread discontent over his administration’s handling of the economy, democratic institutions, and human rights. Demonstrators, carrying flags and banners, marched through Habib Bourguiba Avenue, chanting for freedom, work, and national dignity. They also echoed the slogans that once echoed through the same avenue during Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, a time when the North African nation was seen as a beacon of hope for the Arab Spring.
Opponents of Saied’s regime argue that his actions have rolled back the democratic gains made during the Arab Spring. Since seizing emergency powers, Saied has dissolved the parliament, dismissed judges, and jailed political opponents and activists under anti-terrorism and conspiracy laws, according to reports from Africanews and Al Jazeera. “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, “Wissam Sghaier, spokesman for the Jomhouri opposition party, told Al Jazeera. “.
And to use popular Tunisian expressions: We are not tenants of this country, we are its owners. “.
The economic situation in Tunisia has also been a point of contention, with high unemployment and inflation adding to public frustration. Proponents of Saied might argue that his strong actions were necessary to tackle these challenges, but the growing chorus of dissent suggests that his approach has alienated a significant portion of the population.
The protests, while significant, were not without risks. Authorities maintained a heavy security presence, and there were reports of arrests and detentions of protesters. Despite these measures, the demonstrations highlighted the deepening crisis of civil liberties in Tunisia, as noted by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
As Tunisia marks five years of emergency rule, the calls for change grow louder, and the future of the nation’s democratic experiment remains uncertain.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Al Jazeera Staff
