Thousands march in Tunis against Saied’s government

Thousands of people marched in Tunis on Saturday, October 17, in a protest led by the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) against President Kais Saied’s government, calling for greater political freedoms and action on economic hardship. Opposition parties and civil society organizations joined the demonstration, which several reports described as the largest protest against Saied in years. The march began near the UGTT headquarters and proceeded through the capital, including along Habib Bourguiba Avenue. Protesters called for the release of detained government critics, protection of civil liberties and trade union rights, and an end to restrictions on political activity. Some also demanded the government’s departure. Placards and chants linked democracy and freedom with economic dignity. The grievances included rising prices, declining purchasing power, unemployment and disruptions to basic services. Protesters cited recurring water and electricity cuts, as well as shortages of medicines and other essential goods. A demonstrator who travelled from Sfax said those disruptions had deepened his frustration with the authorities and that he had joined to defend his freedom. The...