Thousands of Tunisians gathered in the capital on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of President Kais Saied’s declaration of a national emergency, calling for his resignation amid concerns over deteriorating living conditions, political repression, and economic difficulties. The demonstration took place along Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis, with protesters voicing opposition to Saied’s continued suspension of parliament and governance by decree.

Since Saied assumed emergency powers in July 2021, suspending and eventually dissolving the parliament, his critics have accused him of undermining Tunisia’s democratic progress that began after the 2011 revolution. The protest coincided with growing discontent over restrictions on dissent, press freedoms, and mounting political imprisonments.

“The system of governance must be held accountable for its failures,” said Wissam Sghaier, spokesman for the Jomhouri opposition party. He added that opposition figures were prepared to face arrest and imprisonment, emphasizing the protesters’ determination to challenge what they describe as autocratic rule.

Starting from Republic Square, demonstrators marched toward the Municipal Theatre carrying flags and banners rejecting Saied’s so-called “July 25 path,” a national programme initiated following his emergency declaration. Chants included calls for Saied to step down, demands for “freedom, work and national dignity,” and the revival of the slogan “the people want the fall of the regime,” a phrase prominently heard during Tunisia’s 2011 uprising.

One notable feature of the protest was the widespread demand for the release of political prisoners arrested since Saied’s takeover. Observers note that the government has detained numerous critics under the state of emergency, raising concerns about the erosion of political pluralism.

Tunisia’s democratic transition began after the removal of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011, a turning point sparked by months of civil unrest. Since then, the country experienced its first free elections and adopted a new constitution aimed at securing political freedoms. However, the current phase of emergency rule has prompted fears that these gains may be reversed.

As Tunisia faces ongoing economic challenges, including high unemployment and inflation, opposition groups argue that Saied’s governance approach has exacerbated public hardships and curtailed democratic institutions. The demonstrations underscore mounting frustration among citizens who once viewed Tunisia as a model for democratic transition in the Arab world.