Thousands of supporters of the Free Destourian Party (PDL, opposition) demonstrated in Tunis on Sunday to denounce the “power grabby President Kaïs Saïed and the economic crisis in which the country is plunged. “Poverty has increased», «famine is upon us“, chanted the demonstrators who were at least 2000, in the city center, according to AFP journalists.
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Some of the participants, who came at the call of the PDL, Ms. Abir Moussi’s anti-Islamist party, brandished chopsticks and placards in English (“Tunisian wake up“) and in French: “The Tunisian state is on the verge of collapse“.
In recent months, the PDL has risen to the top of voting intentions for possible legislative elections.
“The government is unable to find solutions for Tunisians… If we continue to remain silent, the country is doomed“Launched to the crowd Abir Moussi, known for his oratory skills. She castigated the lone rider of Kaïs Saïed, democratically elected at the end of 2019 but who has granted himself full powers since last July 25.
President Saïed has since frozen the activities of Parliament, accusing this body, dominated for 10 years by the Islamo-conservative Ennahdha party, his pet peeve, of blocking any decision.
Ms. Moussi described Kaïs Saïed as “sovereign (who) prepared the budget alone and did not discuss it with anyone“. “The power in place is illegitimate and does not engage Tunisiansshe added, calling for immediate parliamentary elections.
“Said, the dictator, is locked up in his palace, and the people find neither semolina, nor flour, nor oil, nor sugar“Complained to AFP Youssef Jabali, 32 years old.
In recent weeks, Tunisia, already mired in a serious economic and social crisis with very high inflation and unemployment, is facing shortages of basic foodstuffs.
According to the authorities, this stems from a frenzy of purchases at the approach of Ramadan, a month of family reunions and high food consumption, which has been exacerbated by soaring prices linked to the war in Ukraine, a major wheat producer.
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President Saïed accused some traders of warehousing goods to drive up prices, and said this week “war on speculators», threatening them with heavy prison sentences.