Last July, President Saied suspended parliament, fired the Prime Minister and further expanded his legislative and executive powers.
Thousands of Tunisians have taken to the streets in the capital Tunis, the latest in a series of protests against President Kais Saied, accused by opponents of taking power amid a deepening political crisis.
Last July, President Saied congress suspended and fired the prime minister, before further expanding his legislative and executive powers and suspending certain parts of the constitution.
The opposition has criticized the measures, calling them a “coup” and has organized a series of street protests.
Tunisia, long considered the sole democratic success story of the 2010-2011 Arab uprisings, has descended into turmoil.
Witnesses said on Sunday several thousand people, including supporters of the Ennahdha movement, marched near parliament in central Tunis.
Security forces have cordoned off nearby Bardo Square and entrances to prevent protesters from gathering there, they added.
Protesters chanted against Saied’s measures and accused him of monopolizing power.
Some marchers chanted “the people want to overthrow the coup” and “the people want to remove the president”.
Sunday’s protest took place on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of Tunisia’s Independence Day.
Saied, a former law professor who took office in 2019, defended his moves, saying they were constitutional and promising to protect liberties and rights.
