Tunisia protest shows rift over president's seizure of power
ABC News
Several thousand demonstrators gathered in central Tunis to protest President Kaïs Saied’s recent consolidation of power, which his critics have called a coup
TUNIS, Tunisia -- Several thousand demonstrators gathered in central Tunis on Sunday to protest President Kaïs Saied’s recent consolidation of power, which his critics have called a “coup."
The protest reflected an increasingly visible rift in Tunisian society over the president's actions. Police presence was visibly bolstered for the demonstration, and scuffles were reported on the sidelines as protesters tried to overcome barriers erected on Bourguiba Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare. A journalist for state-run television was hospitalized after being hit with rocks and water bottles thrown by angry protesters.
Saied abruptly dismissed the prime minister, assumed all executive powers and froze the parliament following nationwide antigovernment protests July 25. He said he was seeking to save the country from a deteriorating economic, political and heath crisis. Last month he gave himself the power to rule by decree and partially suspended the 2014 constitution.
Saied’s actions have proved widely popular among those who see him as a corruption fighter taking on the country's much-hated political elites. But others are concerned his actions signal a return to the autocracy Tunisians revolted against in 2011, igniting what would be known as the Arab Spring.