What's happened
On July 25, 2021, President Kais Saied dismissed parliament and began ruling by decree, citing emergency powers. Protests mark the fourth anniversary, with demonstrators condemning the move as a coup and calling for the release of political prisoners. Tunisia faces ongoing repression and political instability.
What's behind the headline?
The anniversary highlights Tunisia's slide into authoritarianism, with Saied consolidating power through legal and extralegal means. His narrative of conspiracy and betrayal justifies mass arrests and silencing dissent, eroding judicial independence and civil liberties. The protests reveal a deep public rejection of this trajectory, but Saied's grip remains firm. The use of judiciary as a political tool signals a systemic breakdown of checks and balances, risking long-term instability. The international community's response will influence whether Tunisia can reverse this trend or deepen its authoritarian drift. The core issue is Saied's failure to deliver economic or institutional reforms, relying instead on populist rhetoric and repression, which will likely entrench his rule further.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera, The New Arab, and AP News collectively depict a Tunisia under Kais Saied's increasingly authoritarian rule. Al Jazeera emphasizes the protests and the symbolic significance of July 25, framing it as a fight against tyranny. The New Arab provides a detailed critique of Saied's use of conspiracy narratives and judiciary purges, highlighting the systemic repression and the erosion of judicial independence. AP News focuses on the public demonstrations and the symbolic shift of July 25 from a national celebration to a protest against the dismantling of democracy. While all sources agree on the authoritarian turn, they differ slightly in tone: Al Jazeera emphasizes the protests' symbolic power, The New Arab underscores the systemic repression, and AP News highlights the public's ongoing resistance. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of a country in political crisis, with a populace demanding change amid a regime that consolidates power through repression.
How we got here
Saied's power consolidation began in 2021 when he suspended parliament, dismissed the government, and invoked a state of emergency. His actions followed widespread disillusionment with Tunisia's political class and economic hardship. Since then, he has dissolved judicial institutions and targeted opposition figures under anti-terror laws, shifting Tunisia from a democratic revolution to an authoritarian regime.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s happening in Tunisia after four years of Saied’s power grab?
Since President Kais Saied’s dramatic move in July 2021, Tunisia has been navigating a complex political landscape marked by protests, repression, and questions about its future democracy. Four years on, many are wondering what the current situation means for Tunisia’s political stability, human rights, and international relations. Below, we explore the key questions about Tunisia’s ongoing crisis and what it could mean for the country’s future.
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What’s the global impact of political unrest like in Tunisia?
Recent political unrest in Tunisia, marked by President Kais Saied’s power grab, has raised concerns worldwide. As protests commemorate four years of authoritarian consolidation, many wonder how this turmoil affects regional stability, the economy, and neighboring countries. Below, we explore the key questions about Tunisia’s political crisis and its broader implications.
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How is Tunisia commemorating 4 years since Saied’s power grab? What’s the current political climate?
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What’s the latest on political instability in Tunisia and its global implications?
Tunisia is currently facing a significant political crisis following President Kais Saied’s actions four years ago, which have led to widespread protests and concerns about democracy’s future. People are asking how this situation impacts regional stability, what international reactions are, and what might happen next. Below, we explore the key questions about Tunisia’s ongoing political turmoil and its broader implications.
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Kais Saied is a Tunisian politician, jurist and former lecturer serving as the fifth President of Tunisia since October 2019. He was president of the Tunisian Association of Constitutional Law from 1995 to 2019.
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Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, covering 163,610 square kilometres. Its northernmost point, Cape Angela, is also the northernmost point on the African continent.
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