Tunisians protest against president ahead of parliamentary polls
Hundreds have protested in Tunisia against President Kais Saied ahead of parliamentary elections that represent the latest consolidation of a power grab he began in July last year.
The protests were organized by political parties that have been marginalized by Saied -- first by him firing the government and suspending parliament last year, then by a new constitution.
Elevated food prices and shortages of basic goods reflect a long-running economic crisis in the North African country.
After protests toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia established a democracy that was quickly riven by factional infighting.
Saied's moves since July last year, while initially welcomed by some, have raised fears among others that the only democracy to emerge from the "Arab Spring" protest movements is headed back to autocracy.
The economy has been struck by the coronavirus pandemic and the spike in commodity prices driven in large part by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The International Monetary Fund in October announced agreement on a $1.9 billion rescue package for Tunisia, on condition of reforms.
Opposition parties are boycotting parliamentary elections set for December 17, saying the new electoral law is part of Saied's "coup."
(source: AFP)
Russia holds strategic nuclear exercise
'So much anxiety': With one week to go, hope and fear surround US election
Obama urges voters to 'turn the page' on Trump
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Iranian satellites launched into space as private sector debuts in space industry
VIDEO | Iran, Azerbaijan conduct joint maritime rescue operations
VIDEO | Yemen’s Red Sea divide: Naval forces block Israeli-linked ships in strategic ‘parting of the water’
VIDEO | Southern Gaza: Israel’s facade for famine and suffering
VIDEO | IOF hampering humanitarian aid
VIDEO | Sharmahd: Justice Done
Iran repeatedly warned Israel not to test its will: FM
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
