Tunisia grapples with five years of crisis since Saied’s power grab
Summary
Five years after Tunisian President Kais Saied suspended parliament and took wide powers, Tunisia faces a serious economic crisis and political division. Supporters see Saied’s actions as needed, while opponents say power is too concentrated and the economy has worsened, leading to protests demanding change.Key Facts
- In July 2021, President Saied suspended parliament and dismissed the prime minister.
- Tunisia’s investment rate fell from about 20% of GDP (2015–2019) to 8% in 2023.
- Taxes increased by five percentage points since 2015, which experts say discourages investment.
- Inflation, especially for food, has nearly tripled, lowering people’s buying power.
- Unemployment rose sharply, especially among university graduates, causing many to emigrate.
- Critics say Saied’s government rejected an aid deal with the IMF but quietly applied tough austerity measures.
- Supporters argue the crisis started long before Saied, blaming previous political leaders.
- Recent protests in Tunis called for Saied to step down and demanded the release of political prisoners.
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