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Tunisia: Opposition calls for an end to Saied's 'coup'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jan 2023 09:48
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The Tunisian opposition to current President Kais Saied demonstrates chanting slogans demanding an end to what they called a "coup" by president Saied.

Tunisians gather during a protest against Tunisian President Kais Saied in downtown Tunis, Tunisia. Saturday Jan. 14, 2023 (AP).

In Tunisia, thousands of people demonstrated, demanding that President Kais Saied leave office amid ongoing political and economic instability.

Demonstrators chanted slogans as National Salvation Front (NSF) Chairman Ahmed Najib Chebbi urged the people to put an end to the "coup" he claimed to have been staged by Saied, according to an Anadolu reporter.

It is worth noting that NSF, the Tunisian opposition, had organized the protest on the 12th anniversary of the Arab spring in 2011 which resulted in the ousting of former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Chebbi blamed the current President for the economic crisis saying, “This coup has destroyed the economy, and persecuted Tunisians,” adding “Saied must go and end his rule.”

Chebbi was not the only one who claimed that there is an imminent need for Saied to leave office. Seifeddine Makhlouf, head of the Dignity coalition, also agreed with Chebbi and further stated that Saied undermined all Tunisian institutions.

“The coup has destroyed the state and its institutions and manipulated the state Treasury,” Makhlouf said adding “We will continue to oppose these measures until the end of the coup and the return of democracy.”

Public-transport workers strike over delayed salaries

Earlier in January of 2023, Tunisia witnessed heavy traffic jams as tram and bus workers carried out a strike protesting against delayed salaries and not getting end-of-year bonuses.

The country has been facing similar strikes lately as it struggles with an economic crisis causing recurrent lack of basic necessities such as petrol and cooking oil.

The IMF announced earlier in October reached an agreement with Tunisia to support its economy with $1.9 billion as the country's debts surpassed its GDP.

In July 2021, Tunisian President Kais Saied took exceptional measures and suspended Parliament, prompting the government to ask the IMF for its fourth bailout.

Upon a call made by the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), workers from the government-owned transport company Transtu walked out while hundreds gathered to protest outside the office of the prime minister.