Tunisian opposition activists protest in Tunis demanding Saied's departure and democracy restoration
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Hundreds of activists and opponents of Tunisian President Kais Saied protested in Tunis on August 20, 2026, calling for his departure and the restoration of democracy. Demonstrators rejected one-man rule and urged the release of jailed opposition figures, activists and journalists amid economic discontent.
Key Facts
- Hundreds of protesters marched in Tunis on August 20, 2026, demanding the departure of President Kais Saied and the release of jailed opposition figures, activists and journalists.
- The demonstration followed a similar protest last month tied to the anniversary of Saied's July 25, 2021 measures that dismissed the government and dissolved parliament.
- Protesters carried banners criticizing deteriorating economic and social conditions, including shortages of basic goods and medicines.
- Rights groups accuse Saied's government of a crackdown on opposition leaders, civil society groups, journalists and activists.
- Saied denies political repression and says he is enforcing the law against people suspected of corruption or conspiring against the state.
The Protest
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Tunis on Thursday, August 20, 2026, for the latest protest against President Kais Saied. They chanted slogans rejecting what they called one-man rule and a slide towards dictatorship. Protesters carried banners demanding the restoration of freedoms and criticizing the country's economic collapse. Activist Wissem Sghaier said the country is experiencing "a complete collapse of failure, injustice and absurdity."
Political Context
Saied dismissed the government on July 25, 2021, dissolved the elected parliament and began governing by decree. He later dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and sacked dozens of judges, saying he was fighting corruption within the judiciary. International rights groups described the moves as undermining judicial independence. The protest underscores Saied's opponents' ability to mobilize in the streets despite their divisions.
Economic Pressures
Tunisians are facing mounting economic and cost-of-living pressures, with deteriorating public services and shortages of some basic goods and medicines. Protests have broken out in several parts of the country in recent weeks over water and power cuts and environmental problems. Rights groups accuse Saied's government of carrying out a broad crackdown targeting opposition leaders, independent civil society groups, journalists and activists. Saied denies accusations of political repression, saying he is enforcing the law and pursuing people suspected of financial corruption or conspiring against the state.
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Tunisian opposition activists protest in Tunis demanding Saied's departure and democracy restoration
