Tunisia sees its largest anti-government protests in years

2026, October 17

Tunisia

Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets of the capital, Tunis, in one of the country's largest demonstrations in years against President Kais Saied. Organised with the involvement of the influential UGTT labour union and civil society groups, the protest criticised the concentration of presidential power, weakening democratic institutions and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrators also called for the release of detained government critics.

The demonstrations reflect growing frustration over shortages of essential goods, deteriorating public services and restrictions on political opposition. Protesters invoked slogans associated with the 2011 Arab Spring, which began in Tunisia and helped trigger uprisings across the region. The scale of the rally presents a significant challenge to Saied's government, although its immediate political consequences remain uncertain.

Why it matters: Tunisia was once regarded as a promising democratic transition after the Arab Spring. Renewed mass protests could have implications for political stability, civil liberties and migration across the Mediterranean.

Source: Reuters — Tunisians stage biggest protest in years against President Saied