Tunisian President Kais Saied’s supporters rallied in the capital, Tunis, on Wednesday, branding opposition members “traitors” amidst escalating street protests and growing political tension.
The rival demonstrations come as the country grapples with a deepening economic crisis, marked by high inflation, shortages of basic goods, and poor public services.
Rights groups accuse Saied of an unprecedented crackdown on opposition, using the judiciary and police to stifle criticism. Saied rejects these accusations, claiming he is cleansing the country of traitors and corrupt elites.
His supporters credit him with confronting corruption and entrenched political elites, chanting “people want Saied again” and “we support the leadership and sovereignty”.
Critics argue Saied’s actions underscore an authoritarian turn since he took on extraordinary powers in 2021 to rule by decree.
The powerful UGTT union has called a nationwide strike next month. Prominent opposition figure Abir Moussi was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while dozens of opposition leaders received jail terms of up to 45 years for conspiracy to overthrow Saied.
