Five years after Saied’s power grab, Tunisians are no better off
Summary
Five years after President Kais Saied suspended Tunisia’s parliament in 2021, the country has not improved economically or politically. President Saied consolidated power, reducing freedoms and political activity, while economic problems like unemployment and debt remain unchanged.Key Facts
- On July 27, 2021, President Kais Saied suspended Tunisia’s parliament, ending the country’s functioning democracy at that time.
- The U.S. reduced military aid to Tunisia by half in response to these political changes.
- In 2023, the U.S. sent a new ambassador to encourage a return to democracy amid arrests of political and civil society leaders.
- Tunisia’s freedom ranking dropped from 70 to 42 between 2020 and 2026, showing a decline in civil liberties.
- The country’s economic growth and unemployment rates in 2026 are similar to those in 2018 before Saied’s takeover.
- Tunisia’s government debt rose from about 73% to over 81% of GDP during this period.
- Security cooperation with the U.S. has been effective in fighting terrorism despite political troubles.
- Political instability continues, with government ministers rarely staying in their roles for more than six months.
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