Thousands of Tunisians rallied in Tunis on October 17 in the country's largest protest against President Kais Saied in years, joining unions, opposition parties, and civil groups to condemn worsening living conditions and restrictions on political freedoms.
The march was led by the Tunisian General Labour Union, known as the UGTT, and drew a wide mix of protesters, including lawyers, doctors, journalists, unemployed people, and political activists. Organizers and participants brought their complaints to Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a central site of the 2011 uprising. AFP reported that more than 3,000 people attended, though this crowd estimate could not be independently confirmed.
Protesters called for detained government critics to be released and demanded that trade union rights be respected. They also voiced anger over the cost of basic goods and falling purchasing power. Their economic complaints come alongside recurring water and electricity cuts, worsening public services, and shortages of medicine and other essentials.
The demonstration also reflected opposition to Saied's concentration of power. Since 2021, he has dissolved parliament, dismissed judges, and ruled by decree, steps opponents describe as a coup. Saied rejects accusations that he is a dictator and has blamed opponents for fueling unrest.
The unusually broad gathering highlighted renewed cooperation among groups that have often been divided.