Austerity protests echo Arab Spring
Tunisia has arrested hundreds more protesters in an attempt to quell the biggest wave of unrest since the North African country set off the Arab Spring in 2011.
During six days of demonstrations, thousands have taken to the streets to demand an end to austerity and tax rises announced in a tough budget this month and to protest against crippling unemployment levels. Tunis and the international community have become increasingly anxious after the demonstrations spread across 20 towns in less than a week, echoing the slogans of the Arab Spring.
Protests started by economic woes have become a vehicle to express political discontent, and have descended into the looting of banks, supermarkets and homes. Two men petrol-bombed a synagogue on the island of Djerba.
Police have battled to clear crowds with tear gas as the rallies turned violent, killing at least one man.
It is not yet clear how many arrests were made yesterday after mass protests following Friday prayers. Khalifa Chibani, an interior ministry spokesman, said at least 151 people were arrested on Friday, bringing the total number to 778. He said dozens of police officers had been injured.
The United Nations and human rights groups have voiced alarm at the high number of arrests, which judicial sources said included local opposition leaders.
Protesters warned that the mass arrests and fierce police response would only add to the unrest.
‘‘The people are enraged by the oppression and the dispersal of the demonstrations,’’ said Alaa Talbi, a secular activist. ‘‘It was economic grievances at first, but now has a political aspect, too. There are calls for further demonstrations in the coming weeks, especially on January 14, the revolution’s anniversary.’’
Tunisia’s unity government, made up of centrists, moderate Islamists and independents, pushed through austerity measures this year to meet the demands of foreign lenders, including the International Monetary Fund.
Tunisia is seen as the only Arab Spring success, but nine governments have failed to stem the country’s economic woes. A spike in terrorist attacks and an insurgency in its border regions have scared off foreign tourists, who were once the backbone of the economy.
The currency has fallen heavily since 2011, and inflation is high. About a sixth of the workforce is unemployed, but the rate is more than double that for new graduates and rural areas.
The new year price rises were the final straw for many Tunisians.