‘Disappointing turnout’ at Tunisia opposition alliance rally
A crowd estimated at more than 2,000, lower than expected, took part on Sunday in the first demonstration of a new alliance to oppose political actions of President Kais Saied.
“We shall overcome,” and “We are united, not divided,” read banners of National Salvation Front protesters gathered in front of the municipal theater on Bourguiba Avenue, a traditional hub of demonstrations in central Tunis.
“The people want ... respect for the constitution and a return to democracy,” they chanted.
Veteran opposition figure Ahmed Nejib Chebbi announced the formation of the new alliance on April 26 to “save” Tunisia from deep crisis following Saied’s intervention last year.
Demonstrators said they were disappointed by the numbers that turned out for the first public show of support for the alliance.
“A larger crowd” was expected, said Salah Tzaoui, a 57-year-old teacher, especially by those who had lived under Ben Ali who was ousted in a 2011 popular uprising that sparked the Arab Spring revolts around the region.
Saied — a former law professor elected in 2019 amid public anger against the political class — on July 25 sacked the government, suspended parliament and seized wide-ranging powers.
He later gave himself powers to rule and legislate by decree, and seized control over the judiciary.
“He wants to govern alone. It’s not possible. I’m here for my children and grandchildren,” Tzaoui said.
Khaled Benabdelkarim, a 60-year-old fellow teacher who voted for Saied three years ago, said the president had “betrayed the people and stolen democracy. He has no political project, no economic project.”