Thousands of people, responding to calls from opposition political groups in Tunisia, held a demonstration against President Kais Said's administration in the capital, Tunis.
Demonstrators, gathered in Republic Square at the call of the National Salvation Front and the Ennahda Movement, marched to Habib Bourguiba Avenue.
The demonstration took place on the 69th anniversary of the proclamation of the Tunisian Republic and the 5th anniversary of President Said's extraordinary decisions on July 25, 2021. Thousands of people participated in the protest.
After the march, which took place under tight security measures, demonstrators gathered on Habib Bourguiba Avenue. They continued their protests there. Security forces took extensive measures along the march route and in the demonstration area.
Demonstrators carried Tunisian and Palestinian flags. They chanted slogans regarding the political and economic situation in the country and unfurled banners with various demands.
At the protest, the symbolic slogans of the 2011 Jasmine Revolution, "Degage (Get out)" and "The people want the regime to fall," were chanted.
Daily problems were highlighted with banners reading "No water," "No sanitation," "No electricity." Messages such as "The Republic is not a prison" and "If you want development and freedom, overthrow the dictatorship" were also displayed on banners.
At the demonstration on Habib Bourguiba Avenue; the release of political prisoners, the protection of rights and freedoms, and solutions to economic problems were demanded.
Demonstrators continued their protests on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, chanting slogans.
"The Solution for Tunisia Lies in Opening Up to All Segments and Through Dialogue"
Lawyer Samir Dilo, former Tunisian Minister of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, participated in the demonstration. Dilo told an Anadolu Agency correspondent that the protest was organized due to the 69th anniversary of the Republic. Additionally, the 5th anniversary of the July 25, 2021 decisions is among the reasons for the demonstration. Dilo described these decisions as "a coup against the constitution and institutions."
Dilo stated that they are proud of the achievements made in building the Republic and on the path to freedom and democracy. However, he expressed sadness about the country's current situation after the last five years.
Dilo said, "Unfortunately, we see that the slogans put forward five years ago have turned into a nightmare today."
Dilo noted that the Tunisian state has struggled to meet the basic needs of its citizens in recent weeks. He particularly highlighted problems in accessing basic necessities such as drinking water and medicine.
Dilo argued that the country's problems could be overcome with an inclusive political approach. He shared the view that "the solution for Tunisia lies in opening up to all segments and establishing dialogue among all actors in the country."
The July 25th Process in Tunisia
In Tunisia, July 25 is celebrated as the date when the monarchy was abolished and the Republic was proclaimed in 1957. The country is celebrating the 69th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic. At the same time, the 5th anniversary of the July 25, 2021 decisions, considered the beginning of the political transformation in recent years, has been reached.
President Kais Said made important decisions on July 25, 2021. Citing the country's political and economic conditions, he froze the work of the parliament, lifted the immunity of its members, and dismissed the then-Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.
Said later dissolved the parliament. A new constitution was adopted in the referendum on July 25, 2022. With this constitution, the president's powers were expanded, and a new political system was adopted.
Said and his supporters consider the July 25 decisions necessary to overcome the political crisis. A significant portion of the opposition, however, describes this process as a "coup."
Opposition political parties and civil society groups have voiced their demands in demonstrations in recent years. They demand the release of political prisoners, the guarantee of fundamental rights and freedoms, and a return to the democratic process.
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