Tunisia’s capital has seen thousands of protestors marching in protest against the growing crackdown on opposition voices, and the proposed lifting of food subsidies.

Saturday’s march was organized by Tunisia, the central trade union. It was President Kais Saied’s latest challenge, whose leadership is causing growing international concern.

Since October 2019, Mr Saied had dismantled the country’s democratic gains, and unleashed repression on migrants from other parts of Africa.

Tunisian marchers chanted slogans against food shortages and price increases, which was the greatest concern for most Tunisians.

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Political tensions have caused talks with the International Monetary Fund to reach an agreement to finance the government but they are still on hold.

The IMF called for the removal of certain subsidies and other reforms.

Mr Saied called the Tunisian general labour union’s (UGTT), decision to invite foreign trade union officials to the protest “unacceptable”.

“Tunisia does not exist as a meadow, farm or land without a master. He said that anyone who wants to protest is allowed to, but he doesn’t have to invite foreigners.

Noureddine Taboubi, secretary-general of UGTT, said he would like to have heard a reassuring speech from President Obama but was instead given coded insults.

“We support social peace, and arguments are our weapon.” The union leader stated that they are not terrorists or promoters violence.

The president was criticised for suspending a judge after he failed to send a suspect to him.

prison.

In a statement, the Tunisian Judges Association stated that it warned of “the great and unprecedented.”

After arrests and charges that included trade unionists as well as lawyers, judges, and lawyers, pressures were placed on the judiciary.

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Water canon against protestors

Since he suspended parliament in 2021 many Tunisians welcomed Mr Saied’s decision as a way to end political deadlock, which had worsened social and economic tensions.

Since then, Tunisia has been in financial trouble and its legacy as the Arab Spring’s only democracy is in disarray.